“Brief history of Sītagū Cakkhu Dāna Hospital (Hsipaw)”

          It is our pleasure to announce that Sītagū Cakkhu Dāna Eye Clinic has been established and functioning in full potential at Hsipaw, Northern Shan State, Myanmar. This is the only free-standing eye clinic and provides services at no charge to residents in northern Shan State. The Eye Clinic is located at the southern side, yet within premise of Mahamyatmuni Pagoda. It was first established under the direction of Sītagū Venerable Ñānissara at Buddha University of the World. Hsipaw residents took responsibility for building the physical establishment. Sītagū Venerable Ñānisssara provided the rest including donation of required equipments and seeking medical professionals to provide care.

          On Feb. 19, 2007, Sītagū Venerable Ñānissara gave his first Dhamma Talk, “Dipado hoti Cakkhudo.” (Donation light is donation eye.) One month later on Mar. 19, 2007 Mahamyatmuni Sayadaw U Paññā Siri together with many other Hsipaw Sayadaws initiated the first foundation of the Eye Clinic with a dimension of 135 ft in length and 60 ft in width. The Eye Clinic has patient registration, pre-op and post-op rooms, sterilized operation rooms, a physicians lounge (break room), examination room and medicines/medical supply storage rooms.

           This complete establishment of our Eye Clinic costs Kyats 133.3 millions, and its grand opening was celebrated by Sītagū Sayadaw on Mar. 21, 2008. Medical physicians, primarily ophthalmologists then started to provide care at no cost to residents from nearby villages on Mar. 22, 2008. With collaboration with an ophthalmologists Dr. San Aye (U.S.A.), Prof. Mya Aung (Yangon) and Dr. Mi Mi Khin (Sītagū Āyudāna Hospital) together with Hispaw residents made realize this dream of “Giving back vision to those are blind (Cakkhu Dāna),” especially for common people who cannot afford to pay for medical expenses to regain their vision. Since then, it has been in operation for fifteen times: examined (7855) patients and performed surgical procedures on (1563) patients at no charge.

          In addition, ophthalmologists from Yangon, Mandalay, Sitgaing, Lashio and foreign countries were recruited. They also offered devoted time, knowledge and service and provided care to poor indigenous residents. Optometrists from Mandalay kindly participated in testing for and adjusting of eyeglasses. Hsipaw and Kyaukme residents donate additional medical supplies and foods when they are out.

          Currently led by U Paññā Siri, everyone who selflessly puts their time, knowledge, and labor (including Group of Gaw-pa-ka, Yay-Kyi- Taw, Klyana Yuwadi, members of Upathampaka and governing officials) continue to carry the tradition of selflessness and giving. We are preparing to continue this tradition for future generations. In conclusion, this medical service is provided at no charge to everyone regardless of their ethnic or religious background. At the same time we welcome any donations (monetary, labor, knowledge, etc.) from someone near or far to continue this project.

Special Note: It approximately costs Kyats 80,000-100,000 (about US $100.00) for each patient to gain his or her vision.

Contact Information:
U Paññā Siri                                                                 
Mahamyatmuni Pagoda
Hsipaw, Northern Shan State
Myanmar
Ph: 95-82-80229 or 95-82-80491
panna.hsipaw@gmail.com
Dr. Min Htut
Ph: 95-82-80276
U Aung Khin
Ph: 95-82-80012
U Sunny
Ph: 95-82-80156
U Nyi Nyi Maung
Ph: 095-82-80493
                                          May you all be peaceful, be healthy and wealthy.