(a) whether the Government has reviewed the implementation of National Blindness Control Programme (NBCP);
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the outcome of such review; and
(d) the steps taken/ proposed to be taken for proper implementation of NBCP in all the States?
THE MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. ANBUMANI RAMADOSS)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) has been reviewed regularly on annual
basis at central level with the State Programme Officers. The programme is reviewed regularly at State and district
levels also. The last Annual Review Meeting on NPCB was convened in New Delhi on 25th & 26th April, 2007.
(c); The following are the major outcomes of regular review of the programme:-
i) Cataract is the major cause of blindness contributing more than 62% cases in the country. Around 50,40,089 cataract
surgeries were performed during 2006-07 as compared to 38,57,133 surgeries during 2002-03.
ii) 93% cataract surgeries were performed with IOL during 2006-07 as compared 77% during 2002-03.
iii) Around 4,56,634 poor children were provided free glasses during 2006-07 as compared to 98,697 during 2002-03.
iv) 30,007 donated eyes were collected during 2006-07 as compared to 23,741 during 2003-04.
v) A total number of 1255 Eye Surgeons were trained in various specialties of ophthalmology during the period 2002-03
to 2006-07 to skilled and high quality eye care services.
vi) During the period 2002-03 to 2006-07 five new Regional Institutes of Ophthalmology were set up in the country to
provide specialized eye care services.
(d) The following steps have taken for proper implementation of NPCB in all the States:-
1. Setting up of State Blindness Control Societies and District Blindness Control Societies in States/UTs.
2. Providing Eye care facilities to the needy people at Primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels through Primary Health
Centres, District Hospitals, Medical Colleges and Regional Institutes of Ophthalmology.
3. Strengthening of Eye Banks in Govt./Voluntary Sector.
4. Financial support to NGOs for strengthening of their existing infrastructure for Eye care.
5. Organizing Eye Donations Fortnight from 25th August to 8th September every year.
6. Screening of School Children for detection of refractive errors and providing free glasses to poor.
7. Strengthening of Regional Institutes of Ophthalmology by providing assistance for development of paediatric eye
units/low vision units/retina units and training infrastructure.
8. Strengthening of Medical Colleges by providing assistance for development of paediatric eye units/low vision units/
retina units.
9. Imparting training to Ophthalmic Surgeons from Government Hospitals/Medical Colleges in various specialties of
Ophthalmology for quality eye care.
10. Intensification of IEC activities to create awareness about eye care activities.