Nagpur: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday pledged to eradicate cataract from the state by 2019.
“The number of patients affected by the disease is increasing. Today, the state has 17.5 lakh patients. We plan to conduct surgeries on all these patients and the government will bear the cost,” Mr. Fadnavis said.
He was speaking at the inauguration of Madhav Netralaya City Center in Hindustan Colony. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, Union Minister for Surface Transport and Shipping Nitin Gadkari, and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda were present.
Mr. Gadkari said every year, over five lakh accidents in the country kill 2.5 lakh people. “We will ask those applying for driving licence to pledge to donate their organs in case of an accident. We will also try to build helipads over hospitals to ensure organs reach at the earliest,” Mr. Gadkari said.
