With the Blessings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, a state-of-the-art phacoemulsification machine was commissioned in the Ophthalmology department of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram, on September 3, 2025.

The phacoemulsification machine, the Alcon CENTURION Vision System, worth around Rs 75 lakh, was inaugurated by the Managing Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Sri. R.J. Rathnakar. Present on the occasion were the Director of the SSSIHMS, Prasanthigram,

Dr. Gurumurthy, the Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Anuj Sharma, and other senior staff members of the hospital.

Phacoemulsification is a technique in Cataract surgery that uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to break up the eye’s cloudy natural lens (the cataract) into tiny fragments, which are then suctioned out. After the fragments are removed, an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL), is inserted into the eye’s lens capsule to restore clear vision. 

Alcon CENTURION Vision System is an advanced phacoemulsification device, designed to enhance anterior chamber stability and improve surgical efficiency through Active Fluidics™ Technology and a peristaltic pump system. The system also offers extensive customisation of ultrasound energy and fluidics parameters, allowing surgeons to tailor settings to different types of cataracts and specific procedural

needs. Speaking on the occasion, Sri R J Rathnakar said that every department of Bhagawan Baba’s hospital has equipment comparable to the best in the world. Our policy is to constantly upgrade our systems so that the best treatment can be given to the patients. The

new Alcon CENTURION Vision System, inaugurated in the Ophthalmology department, facilitates the realisation of that endeavour.

What is a Urethral Stricture?

Urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethral tube that obstructs the flow of urine. It predominantly affects men, but can also affect women, and can lead to significant urinary problems if left untreated.

 Causes

 The following are the common causes of stricture of the urethra:

• Infections: Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea or recurrent urinary tract infections, lichen sclerosis, balanitis and TB.

Urethral Stricture as visualised in X-Ray flouroscopy.

• Trauma: Pelvic fractures, faulty catheterisation, or instrumentation during surgeries

• Congenital: Rarely, strictures may be present from birth.

• Neoplastic: Urethral cancers

• Iatrogenic: Post-hypospadias surgery and failed urethral reconstruction

Symptoms

 Patients typically present with any or more of the following symptoms:

 • Weak urine stream

• Straining to pass urine

• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

• Increased urinary frequency and urgency

• Urinary tract infections

• In severe cases, urinary retention - inability to pass urine

• Post road traffic accidents: Inability to pass urine.

 Investigations

To diagnose this condition, these investigations are typically used:

• Uroflowmetry: A simple, non-invasive urine flow test done on an OPD basis to measure the flow rate of urine passed.

• Post-void residual urine estimation: Assess by Ultrasound how much urine remains in the bladder after voiding.

• Urethral clibration: Graded

• Retrograde urethrogram (RGU): X-ray imaging to visualize where the stricture is and what the length of the stricture is, along with Micturating Cystourethrogrm (MCU)

• Cystoscopy: Direct visualisation of the urethra using a scope in the operating room.

• MRI pelvis with urethrogram

• Sono-uretherogram

 Treatment Options

• Endoscopic treatment in the form of DVIU/urethral dilatation. These are minimally invasive treatment procedures, but with a high risk of failure and recurrence of the stricture.

• Urethroplasty – Definitive management with a success rate that ranges from 85%-95%. This procedure has good long-term outcomes.

• Depending on the type, nature, and length of the stricture, open perineal urethroplasty.

• Buccal, end-to-end, augmentation substitution flaps are various modes of urethroplasty.

• Asopa, Blandy, Barbagli, Johanson, and Turner Warwick are the legendary surgeons in the urethral reconstruction field

 How to prevent urethral strictures?

 While not all cases are preventable, the risk can be minimised by:

• Prompt treatment of urinary infections

• Avoiding unnecessary urethral instrumentation

• Using proper catheter techniques

• Practising safe sex to prevent STIs

• Regular follow-up after any urethral injury or urological procedure

 In conclusion

Early detection and timely intervention are crucial in preventing complications such as chronic urinary retention, recurrent urinary tract infections, or urinary bladder damage. Awareness among healthcare professionals and patients alike can lead to better outcomes.

After completion of Prasanthi Seva by the devotees from the state of Uttar Pradesh, the Sevadal were being granted Padanamaskaram by Swami in the Sai Kulwant Hall. There was a young first-time Sevadal from my district of Ballia, sitting next to me in the line. As Swami passed by us, lost in thought, he did not extend his hands to touch Swami’s feet, but as Swami started receding from us, as if suddenly woken up, he reached out and touched Bhagawan’s feet from behind. Swami turned around and, looking him straight in the eye, spoke in Bhojpuri language, “गोरआ ट पकल हा हम गिर जाएती त?” (You caught my feet, what if I had fallen?),” then smiled at him and went away. 

After listening to Swami, the young Sevadal started crying profusely. As a senior, I asked him why he was in tears. He then explained, “Sir, you were telling me all along that Swami is God incarnate, then a question came to my mind that if Swami was really God incarnate, then would He be able to speak in our native Bhojpuri language?” While thinking about this, I realized that Swami had already passed by me, so 

I tried to catch His feet from behind, and Swami not only granted me Padanamaskaram, but also answered my question in the best possible way.

Initially, I was working in Dubai, but later shifted to working on my farm in Kasaragod, Kerala. One of those days, a friend of mine told me that God had incarnated in human form in the village of Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. I visited Puttaparthi and had Swami’s Darshan soon after.  

I came for seva to Prasanthi Nilayam for the first time in the year 2001. Before coming for seva, I had undergone a heart procedure called balloon valvotomy in a private hospital in Kerala, spending almost Rs. 3,00,000 for the procedure. A valve in my heart was not functioning adequately.  Had I then known that Swami had built the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences in Puttaparthi, where advanced treatment was provided totally free, I would have never gone anywhere else.

After performing seva for the first time, it became a part of my life to perform seva at Prasanthi Nilayam whenever it was the turn of the Kerala state. Most of the time, I would be given seva at the entrance door of Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery operation theatre at SSSIHMS, Prasanthigram.

One day, while working on my farm in my hometown, my body felt weak. I visited a local hospital. After the required tests, the doctor told me that I must undergo replacement of my mitral valve. Carrying all my old reports, I came to Swami’s hospital in Puttaparthi. After a check-up, the surgeons at Swami’s hospital also suggested a Mitral Valve Replacement. A date was given to me, and on that date, I was admitted and underwent a Mitral Valve Replacement. The surgery took place in the same theatre complex where I would perform seva almost every year. That was 2011, and for the past 14 years, I have been leading a healthy and happy life. I am following all the post-valve replacement protocols. After recovery, I have not missed a single opportunity of seva.

My father also underwent knee replacement for both his knees at Swami’s hospital.  Swami has showered His Grace on every member of my family. This is a bond of love between Swami and us, which can never be described in words.  To conclude, I just wish to say that Swami should bless me to perform seva in the hospital till my last breath. 

RARE PHOTOGRAPH OF BHAGAWAN BABA IN THE HOSPITAL