Bihar is preparing to script history once again. The state will soon host the world’s largest eye hospital in Mastichak, Saran. The foundation stone of this landmark project was laid recently at the Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital campus. The hospital will feature 1,000 beds, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and global collaborations to ensure quality treatment.
The upcoming hospital is designed to perform nearly three lakh eye surgeries every year, all free of cost. By 2030, this target is expected to increase to five lakh surgeries annually.
Timeline for Completion
The construction target for this world-class eye hospital has been set for March 2027. Authorities and international collaborators have already laid down the structural and operational framework to ensure the project’s timely execution.
The hospital is receiving strong support from Shankara Eye Foundation, USA. With advanced technologies and expert guidance, the project aims to set a global benchmark in eye care.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The Mastichak eye hospital is not just about size but also about scale and modern infrastructure.
The facility will house 19 advanced operation theatres designed for high-volume surgeries. Additionally, there will be 50 dedicated examination rooms equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic technologies.
The planned capacity ensures that Bihar will no longer face a shortage of eye care services. According to estimates, the state requires nearly one million cataract and other eye-related surgeries annually, but current healthcare facilities cannot meet this demand.
Expanding Capacity and Future Goals
Currently, Bihar struggles with the growing number of untreated eye diseases. The new hospital will fill this gap by expanding the state’s surgical capacity.
By 2030, Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital aims to increase annual surgeries from three lakh to five lakh. This significant growth will make Bihar a leader in accessible and affordable eye care in India.
The project aligns with the broader vision of expanding health infrastructure in underserved regions and ensuring rural populations receive world-class medical care.
Role of Ayushman Bharat
One of the most significant aspects of this hospital is its integration with the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Under this flagship initiative of the central government, millions of underprivileged families are eligible for free treatment.
Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital has already conducted over 12 lakh surgeries since 2005, with nearly 80 percent offered free of cost. The expansion ensures that beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat in Bihar will receive better access to advanced eye treatment without financial burden.
Doctors emphasize that blindness is not just a medical issue but a socio-economic challenge. Treating preventable blindness helps families sustain their livelihoods and improve their quality of life.
Vision Beyond Eye Care
The institution’s vision is not limited to healthcare. According to Mritunjay Tiwari, co-founder and CEO of Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital, the aim is also to empower communities.
The hospital actively promotes women empowerment by training rural girls in football, linking sports with confidence and leadership skills. The initiative, popularly known as “Football to Eyeball,” has become a core part of the hospital’s community programs.
The expansion will also focus on super-specialty departments for eye care at the existing 500-bed facility in Mastichak. Outpatient capacity will be doubled from 700 to 1,200 patients per day.
Expansion Across Bihar and Neighboring States
Apart from Mastichak, new hospitals with an annual capacity of 50,000 surgeries each are planned in Bhojpur and Bhagalpur.
Existing facilities in Purnia, Samastipur, and Ballia in Uttar Pradesh will also be expanded. Collectively, these efforts will push Akhand Jyoti’s capacity to over five lakh surgeries annually, creating one of the largest networks of eye hospitals in Asia.
Expert Views on the Project
During the foundation event, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, Anantha Nageswaran, emphasized the hospital’s importance. He stated that Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital’s success and expansion are essential for a developed India.
Singapore-based senior advisor Jayesh Parekh highlighted the significance of the Football to Eyeball program. He described it as the backbone of the hospital’s philosophy of linking healthcare with empowerment.
On this occasion, a young girl named Tanya, suffering from congenital cataract, received free surgery at the hospital. She was also given a medical kit during the ceremony, symbolizing the institution’s commitment to free and accessible care.Global Collaboration and Support
The role of Shankara Eye Foundation, USA, cannot be overlooked. Its collaboration ensures international expertise and funding for advanced infrastructure.
This partnership demonstrates how cross-border cooperation can transform healthcare in developing regions. It also positions Bihar as a global leader in eye healthcare delivery.
The hospital’s model focuses not only on treatment but also on training, research, and community awareness. With such initiatives, Bihar is expected to contribute significantly to reducing avoidable blindness in India.
Socio-Economic Impact
Preventable blindness is a leading cause of poverty in rural India. Families often lose earning members to treatable conditions like cataracts. By offering free surgeries, the new hospital will change countless lives in Bihar and beyond.
The project also generates local employment, both medical and non-medical, boosting the regional economy. The training programs for rural youth, especially women, further enhance socio-economic development.
Challenges and Opportunities
Constructing the world’s largest eye hospital in a rural district like Saran presents logistical challenges. From infrastructure development to ensuring skilled manpower, the project requires coordinated efforts.
However, the opportunities far outweigh the challenges. With strong international collaboration, government support, and community participation, the hospital can set an example for other states.
The upcoming 1,000-bed Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital in Mastichak, Saran, is more than just a healthcare facility. It represents hope, empowerment, and transformation for millions of people in Bihar and neighboring states.
With global collaborations, government schemes like Ayushman Bharat, and a focus on community-driven initiatives, the hospital is set to redefine healthcare delivery in India.
By March 2027, Bihar will not just make history but also emerge as a global leader in affordable, world-class eye care.
