15-05-2025
Guru Ka Langar Eye Hospital: Where thousands see hope, not bills
Written by Prisha Arora
In Chandigarh's busy Sector 18-B, nestled between clinics and shops, stands a modest building that sees more than 1,000 patients every day — yet never charges a single rupee. This is Guru Ka Langar Eye Hospital, a charitable institution run entirely on the spirit of seva, or selfless service. Founded in 1997 by social worker S Harjit Singh Sabharwal under the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Sewa Society, the hospital delivers what most can't imagine today: completely free, high-quality eye care for anyone in need.
Its mission is rooted in Sikh values of giving through tan (body), man (mind), and dhan (wealth). From outpatient consultations to surgeries, medicines to meals — even accommodation for outstation patients — everything here is free.
'We see 700 to 750 OPDs (outpatient department consultations) and conduct around 80 surgeries each day,' said a senior hospital supervisor, who requested anonymity. 'There are more than 500 phone calls daily, most from people who heard about us through word of mouth. It's all a gift from God. Donations come from everywhere — businessmen, families, individuals. Some give money, others offer their time, skills or services. Most don't want recognition.'
For patients like Paramjeet, a 48-year-old daily wager from Punjab, this hospital has been life-changing. 'Mujhe dikhai nahi deta tha aur main kaam nahi kar paata tha, lekin yahaan inhone dawaayein di, aur khaana tak diya (I couldn't see and was unable to work, but here, they gave me medicine and even food.'
Others speak of the hospital's warmth and dignity as much as its treatment. Radhika, a homemaker from Kharar in Mohali district, brought her young daughter here for squint treatment. 'The doctors explained everything so clearly. They treated us with so much respect. My daughter is well now,' she said.
Pal, a truck driver from Haryana, was referred by a friend. 'Meri ek aankh mein sab dhundhla tha. Ek dost ne bataya yahaan aane ko––inhone ek paisa nahi liya (It was all blurry in one of my eyes. A friend told me about this hospital. I came all the way here — and they didn't take a single rupee.'
The hospital's daily operations are supported by a team of about 35 staff members, including doctors, technicians, and administrative personnel. Interns from BSc, MSc, and Junior Lab Assistant (JLA) courses routinely train here, gaining experience in a fast-paced yet compassionate environment. Despite the overwhelming footfall, cleanliness and patient safety are rigorously upheld.
'People come from across the country, often from very difficult situations,' said Kajal, a lab technician. 'They tell us things they may not have shared with anyone. Being able to support them through that is what makes this work worth doing.'
But challenges persist. Overcrowding during peak hours results in long queues and congested waiting areas. 'I wish there was a better system,' Kajal added. 'Patients should be called in one by one to prevent the spread of infections like TB.'
Currently, there is no digital appointment or queue management system, and patient records are maintained manually. Though there is talk of expanding the facility, no official plans have been announced.
Still, the hospital remains firm in its founding ethos — care without discrimination. Patients of all faiths, castes, and economic backgrounds are welcomed with dignity and treated equally. There are no conditions, no billing counters, and no privileged queues.
In an era where healthcare costs are steadily rising, Guru Ka Langar Eye Hospital continues to serve as a rare and powerful example of what community-led service, anchored in faith and empathy, can achieve.
