Rajasthan becomes first state to implement blindness control policy

Tags: State News

The Rajasthan Government implemented the Blindness Control Policy on 13th January. Rajasthan is the 'first state' in the country to implement this policy with the objective of 'right to sight vision'.

An overview of the news

• This is an innovative initiative by the Medical and Health Department of the state in the direction of realising the vision of a healthy Rajasthan in the state.

• On the directions of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, the document of the policy on prevention of blindness was made public by the Medical and Health Department.

• The policy has been implemented with the aim of bringing light to the lives of more than three lakh visually impaired people in the state.

• The blindness prevalence rate in the country in the year 2020 was 1.1 percent, which will be worked towards bringing it down to 0.3 percent through the 'Right to Sight Vision' policy.

• Under this policy of the State Government, Keratoplasty Center and Eye Bank will be compulsorily operated in all Government Medical Colleges.

• Cornea collected by private organisations and NGOs receiving financial assistance under this policy will be made available to government institutions on priority.

• Under the policy, efforts will be made in collaboration with voluntary organisations, trusts, hospitals and other charitable organisations working in this field in the districts.

• A large-scale campaign for eye donation will be launched by taking private organisations along.

• Special training will be given to eye specialists, eye surgeons, postgraduate students, counsellors and eye assistants working for eye donation.