Bhubaneswar, October 12, 2017: Odisha has become thefirst State in the country to have formulated a Universal Eye Health Programme
to keep people protected from avoidable vision related problems, and to provide
comprehensive eye care to the persons of all age groups.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the programme here
at a State-level function for Observance of World Sight Day-2017.
“The State Government is planning to spend over Rs 600
crore from its own sources in the next five years for this programme,”
announced the Chief Minister.
crore from its own sources in the next five years for this programme,”
announced the Chief Minister.
“Make Vision Count- is an appropriate theme to observe
this day. Vision Centres equipped with appropriate eye-care facilities will be
established across the State initially at all CHCs and later on at PHC or even
Sub-Centre level to cover the entire population. Requisite trained manpower
shall be made available to make this programme a success,” said Patnaik.
this day. Vision Centres equipped with appropriate eye-care facilities will be
established across the State initially at all CHCs and later on at PHC or even
Sub-Centre level to cover the entire population. Requisite trained manpower
shall be made available to make this programme a success,” said Patnaik.
Patnaik said all cataract cases in Odisha, which
constitutes 80 percent burden of blindness, will get free operation facility
and appropriate glasses.
constitutes 80 percent burden of blindness, will get free operation facility
and appropriate glasses.
Maximum number of corneal blind people will get back
their vision through corneal transplantation surgeries free of cost, said
Patnaik.
their vision through corneal transplantation surgeries free of cost, said
Patnaik.
“Massive screening programme will be undertaken to detect
Diabetes Retinopathy, and other serious eye problems and patients will be
provided free treatment at Government hospitals. All school students will be
screened for refractory error and other eye problems and will be supplied
spectacles free of cost in the school itself,” added Patnaik.
Diabetes Retinopathy, and other serious eye problems and patients will be
provided free treatment at Government hospitals. All school students will be
screened for refractory error and other eye problems and will be supplied
spectacles free of cost in the school itself,” added Patnaik.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Pratap Jena,
department Secretary Pramod Kumar Meherda was present.
department Secretary Pramod Kumar Meherda was present.