Bhatkal: Prasad Netralaya, a specialised eye care institution based in Udupi, opened a new unit at Nayak Health Centre on Sagar Road in Bhatkal on Wednesday evening. The unit was inaugurated by Sri Sri Sri Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Swamiji of the Pejawar Math, Udupi.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Bhatkal MLA and Karnataka Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Mankal S. Vaidya said the shortage of advanced healthcare facilities in Uttara Kannada district often compelled residents to travel to neighbouring districts, including Udupi and Mangaluru, for treatment.

With a super-speciality hospital now established in Karwar, the opening of Prasad Netralaya’s unit in Bhatkal was a welcome development, he said, adding that it would improve access to specialised eye care for local residents.

Inayatullah Shabandari, president of the Majlis-e-Islah-wa-Tanzeem, Bhatkal, stressed the importance of caring for others, particularly neighbours, and extending assistance to those in need of medical treatment.

Dr Krishna Prasad, medical director and founder chairman of Prasad Netralaya, said the institution had been providing specialised eye care services for the past 23 years and had established units in different locations. The Bhatkal facility is its 11th unit, he said.

Doctors from Nayak Health Centre and other dignitaries attended the inaugural function.