More than one lakh cataract surgeries will be conducted across Maharashtra as part of a fortnight-long health initiative to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, state BJP president Ravindra Chavan announced on Tuesday.
The drive, scheduled from September 17 to October 2, will also include eye check-ups for at least 10 lakh people and the distribution of spectacles to the needy, Chavan told reporters in Mumbai, according to the news agency PTI.
“We will bring together NGOs, social groups, and other organisations to perform over one lakh cataract operations, ensure eye screening for 10 lakh individuals, and provide spectacles to those in need,” said Chavan. The initiative is being projected as a large-scale service outreach by the BJP aimed at connecting with people across the state.
In addition to the eye care efforts, blood donation camps will also be organised during the fortnight. “We have chalked out 17 programmes to be implemented during this period,” Chavan said, reported news agency PTI.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has already held meetings with state ministers and BJP leaders to coordinate and ensure the successful execution of the drive.
Responding to criticism from opposition parties over the state’s financial situation, Chavan remarked, “Instead of focusing on what the opposition says, it is more important to do what is necessary for the welfare of common people. We are committed to providing roti, kapda, and makaan, and will continue on our chosen path.”
Maharashtra plans cancer care units in every district
Maharashtra might soon have a comprehensive cancer care plan with every district in the state having facilities like diagnosis units, day care radiotherapy and chemotherapy services. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a review meeting pertaining to cancer policy and treatment at his official residence in Mumbai on Monday.
“Patients should get timely diagnosis and treatment, and that too close to their homes. For this, one should aim to have cancer diagnosis units, day care radiotherapy, and chemotherapy services at every district level,” Fadnavis said during the presentation on cancer policy in the state given to him.
During the meeting, Fadnavis instructed officials to have a proper policy pertaining to cancer diagnosis and treatment. He even urged the authorities concerned to immediately complete the pending construction of the Sant Tukadoji Maharaj Cancer Hospital in Nagpur. Besides this, Fadnavis said to consider setting up a new cancer hospital at Sainagar, Shirdi, with support from the Shirdi Sai Sansthan. According to media reports, recently, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, in a written reply, had mentioned that Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar and Tamil Nadu record the highest number of cancer cases in the country.
(With PTI inputs)
