In India, 49 lakh cataract procedures are required to clear the backlog of blindness caused by cataracts, and 53.63 lakh surgeries are required to clear the backlog of severe visual impairment caused by cataracts. According to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, an additional 61.58 lakh procedures are planned to be added to both of these groups during the next three years.
He claimed on Monday that the delays were caused by medical facilities slowing down surgery due to the epidemic in the previous two years.
India looking forward to raising the number of cataract surgery
In three years, the three groups would total 164.22 lakh. Cataract procedures will now be done as part of a special campaign to remove the backlog, and states will be given instructions on how to do it.
“The administration proposes to gradually raise the number of cataract procedures performed in the fiscal years 2022-23 [75 lakh], 2023-24 [90 lakh], and 2024-25 [105 lakh],” he said.
Between 2020 and 22 million cataract operations were conducted.
‘Swasthya Chintan Shivir’ (Swasthya Chintan Shivir)
Mr. Mandaviya will also serve as the “Swasthya Chintan Shivir” at the 14th conference of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW), an apex advisory body of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), which will take place from May 5 to 7 in Kevadia, Gujarat.
“The three-day conference’s goal is to examine the implementation of policies and programs in the medical and public health sectors, and to offer ways and means to improve the execution of these policies/programs for the benefit of the general public,” he stated.
The sessions will cover topics such as ensuring affordable, accessible, and equitable health for all, preparing India for future health emergencies, Heal in India and Heal by India, developing a road map for a Healthy India, sharing best practices in the health sector, cooperating and coordinating with states for the “Healthy States, Healthy Nation” concept, and so on.
Panel talks with notable speakers and experts from the MoHFW, NITI Aayog, industry fora, start-ups, academia, and other organizations are expected, as well as interactive sessions with stakeholders.