(a) the present incidences of blindness in the country, State/UT-wise;
(b) whether the Government had set any target to reduce the incidences of blindness under the National Programme for Control of Blindness during the Eleventh Five Year Plan period;
(c) if so, the details thereof indicating the extent to which the said target has been achieved;
(d) the reasons in case the above target has not been met; and
(e) the corrective measures taken/ proposed by the Government for effective control of blindness in the country? |
| ANSWER |
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI SUDIP BANDYOPADHYAY)
(a): A statement showing present incidences of blindness in the country, State/UT-wise, is ANNEXED.
(b) to (d) : Various activities/initiatives undertaken during 11th Five Year Plan under the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) were targeted towards achieving the goal of reducing the prevalence of blindness to 0.3% by the year 2020 by adopting strategies ad vocated for Vision 2020: Right to Sight Initiative. Rapid Survey on Avoidable Blindness co nducted under NPCB during 2006-07 showed reduction in the prevalence of blindness from 1.1% (2001-02) to 1% (2006-07).
(e): The corrective measures taken under the NPCB for effective control of blindness in the country are as under:
Decentralized implementation of NPCB through State/District Health Societies by rel ease of funds for undertaking various eye-care activities.
Ensuring optimal utilization of human resources by creating contractual centrally sponsored posts in addition to State sanctioned posts.
Improving quality of services by training eye surgeons, Para Medical Ophthalmic As sistants, Medical Officers etc.
Preventive Eye care.
Coverage of underserved areas for eye care services through public-private partner ship.
Development of eye-care infrastructure like upgradation of eye departments of Medical Colleges, District Eye Hospitals, setting up of Vision Centres in Primary Health Centres, strengthening of NGO Eye Hospitals, Eye Banks, Eye Donation Centres etc.
To make eye care comprehensive, besides cataract surgery, School Eye Screening, Eye Donation activities, providing assistance for other eye diseases like diabetic retinopa thy, glaucoma management, laser techniques, corneal transplantation, vitreo-retinal surge ry, treatment of childhood blindness etc.
Regular monitoring and evaluation at each district level. |
|
|
