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In a bold step towards eradicating vision impairment, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reaffirmed the state’s commitment to a cataract-free future. Speaking on Thursday, CM Fadnavis announced that the Maharashtra government is fully dedicated to achieving this ambitious goal, backed by key healthcare initiatives that have already made significant progress.
Organisations such as Mastek (Vidarbha) and the U.S.-based Shankara Foundation are playing pivotal roles in this mission. These institutions, known for their philanthropic efforts, have committed to conducting approximately 100,000 free cataract surgeries annually. Their contributions, Fadnavis stated, are crucial to the success of the Cataract-Free Maharashtra Mission.
The Cataract-Free Maharashtra Mission was first launched in 2017 to address cataract-induced vision impairment among senior citizens. After its initial success, it was relaunched in 2018 with renewed focus and strategies to reach even more individuals in need. Several key departments, including Public Health, Medical Education, and Social Justice, along with charitable hospitals, are actively involved in this initiative.
“With the support of these organisations and government efforts, we aim to make cataract a thing of the past in Maharashtra,” said Fadnavis. He further added that around 350 operation theatres across the state have been identified to perform at least 10 free cataract surgeries every day.
Since its inception, the mission has achieved remarkable milestones. Between 2017 and 2019, about 1.75 million cataract surgeries were performed, and between 2022 and 2023, around 900,000 additional surgeries were successfully completed. As of March 2024, nearly 945,733 more surgeries had been conducted, with patients receiving free post-surgery spectacles as part of the comprehensive treatment.
The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress made, stating that the mission has already significantly reduced cataract cases in the state. With the combined efforts of Mastek and Shankara Foundation, the goal is to perform 100,000 surgeries annually until the mission’s completion in 2027.
Several renowned medical institutions, including Datta Meghe Medical College, Wardha, and AIIMS Nagpur, have joined the mission. These institutions will be instrumental in conducting medical camps in rural areas to diagnose patients and transport them to hospitals for free treatment. Additionally, they will provide the necessary infrastructure to ensure smooth operations.
“This mission is a shining example of how government and private organisations can work together for the common good. We are determined to continue supporting this noble cause until we achieve our dream of a cataract-free Maharashtra,” Fadnavis concluded.
Disclaimer: This article is based on statements made by government officials and may not fully reflect all updates or changes in the program post-publication. Readers are encouraged to consult official sources for the latest information.
