According to the press communiqué, Meghalaya became the third state in the Northeast, after Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, to set up an ACOIN State Chapter. The initiative aims to strengthen community eye-health services by promoting awareness, prevention, early detection, and timely medical intervention for eye-related issues.
During the ceremony, the Governor officially handed over the ACOIN flag to the Meghalaya team. Attendees included Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor Shri H.C. Chaudhary, ACOIN National General Secretary Shri Swapan Kumar Samanta, Founder Dr. Jennifer Basaiawmoit, President Dr. Sapna Sarkar, and members of ACOIN Meghalaya.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Vijayashankar emphasized the necessity of delivering eye-care services to underserved and remote areas, noting the Meghalaya government's commitment to assist ACOIN's initiatives. He also welcomed the ACOIN Drishti Ratha Yatra – Journey with a Vision Chariot, which seeks to spread eye-health awareness across remote communities.
This is according to a press communiqué issued by the Governor's Secretariat, Meghalaya on August 25, 2026.
Source: Lok Bhavan Meghalaya, https://meggovernor.gov.in/Press-Release/August%202026/Press%20Release%20-%2025%20August%20-%20Installation%20Ceremony%20of%20the%20Association%20of%20Community%20Ophthalmologists%20of%20India%20(ACOIN),.pdf
