A CORRESPONDENT
LEKANG: Health Minister Alo Libang launched the Integrated Primary Eye Care Model here in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, members of the medical fraternity and the public on February 22.
Libang informed that the model will be implemented in four zones comprising 10 districts of Arunachal Pradesh over two phases.
In the first phase, the model will be implemented in the districts of Changlang, Namsai and Lower Subansiri whereas in the second phase, the model will be implemented in the remaining seven districts of Upper Siang, Upper Subansiri, Kara Daadi, Kamle, KurungJumey, Papumpare and Itanagar Capital Complex.
The model envisages equiping four district hospitals to provide quality cataract surgical services ; establishment of nine 'Vision Centres' in the identified CHCs (Community Health Centres) and District Hospitals; 76 Vision Points and 52 advanced Vision Points at SC-HWCs and PHC-HWCs; and launching of 10 Functional Mobile Vision Centres besides conducting 2,500 ophthalmic surgeries annually.
Moreover, 1700 Health workers will be trained to ensure 25 'Avoidable Blindness Free Villages'.
Speaking on the occasion, DCM Chowna Main urged the public to participate and coordinate with the Health department in making the programme a success.
Among those present on the occasion were Namsai DC R.K. Shrama, SNO-NVPBVI Dr.Taba Khanna, SNO-HWC Dr. Lobsang Jampa, SNO AIDSCP Dr. R. Rina, and DMO Namsai Dr Soreya Namchum.