Dedicated to Achieving a Cataract-Free Maharashtra: CM Fadnavis
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Synopsis
Chief Minister <b>Devendra Fadnavis</b> reaffirmed the Maharashtra government's commitment to a <b>cataract-free</b> state. The <b>Cataract-Free Maharashtra Mission</b>, supported by organizations like <b>Mastek</b> and <b>Shankara Foundation</b>, aims to perform <b>100,000 free cataract surgeries</b> annually, with significant involvement from medical institutions statewide.
Key Takeaways
- Commitment to a cataract-free Maharashtra
- Support from Mastek and Shankara Foundation
- Launch of Cataract-Free Maharashtra Mission
- Involvement of multiple government departments
- Over 1.75 million free surgeries conducted
Nagpur, Feb 13 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Thursday that the state government is wholeheartedly committed to realizing the vision of a cataract-free Maharashtra.
He highlighted that organizations such as Mastek (Vidarbha) and Shankara Foundation, U.S. have stepped up to back the Cataract-Free Maharashtra Mission in every possible manner. These institutions, with plans to conduct approximately 100,000 free cataract surgeries each year, have been making significant contributions. Their efforts will play a vital role in fulfilling the objective of a cataract-free Maharashtra, he emphasized.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the government has initiated various healthcare programs focusing on public health. The Cataract-Free Maharashtra Mission was launched in 2017 and relaunched in 2018 with an updated approach to address vision impairment among senior citizens caused by cataracts.
This mission encompasses multiple departments, including Public Health, Medical Education, Social Justice, Tribal Development, and School Education. Due to its success in Maharashtra, the National Blindness Control Program and charitable hospitals have also joined forces.
As a part of this initiative, free cataract surgeries are being performed at government and charitable hospitals throughout the state. To ensure the mission's success, around 350 operation theatres in Maharashtra have been allocated to perform at least 10 free cataract surgeries daily.
Since the mission's launch, about 1.75 million free cataract surgeries were completed between 2017 and 2019, and approximately 900,000 surgeries were conducted in 2022-23. By March 2024, an additional 945,733 free cataract surgeries were successfully performed, with patients also receiving complimentary spectacles after their surgeries.
Fadnavis expressed his contentment, stating that this initiative has led to a significant decrease in the number of cataract cases across the state. To ensure the Cataract-Free Maharashtra Mission achieves its goals by 2027, Mastek and Shankara Foundation have committed to conducting 100,000 free cataract surgeries annually in Maharashtra, along with additional financial support.
The Chief Minister’s Office reported that several esteemed medical institutions have also joined this noble cause, including Datta Meghe Medical College, Lata Mangeshkar Medical College, Dr Mahatme Eye Hospital, AIIMS, Government Medical College, and Suraj Eye Institute.
These institutions will organize medical camps in rural regions, diagnose cataract patients, and ensure their transportation to hospitals for free treatment. They will also provide essential infrastructure support to healthcare facilities.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government's ongoing collaboration with these organizations in the pursuit of a cataract-free Maharashtra.
