Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao called upon officials to make Kanti Velugu, the first-of-its-kind programme in India, a grand success. Stating it will be launched on August 15 at Malkapur in Medak district by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, he said the role of public representatives would be crucial.
Participating in the awareness programme here on Friday evening, Mr. Harish Rao asked mandal level officers to ensure smooth co-ordination. Four additional teams for each district would be deployed so that their services can be used during contingency.
Informing that teams are being put together at the ward level in urban areas and at the PHC level in rural areas, he said each team consists of an opthalmologist, a data entry operator and other staff. He has also directed officials to involve women groups to create awareness and appoint three nodal officers for each mandal. The government has already released ₹106 crore for this programme, the Minister added.
A. Santhi Kumari, Principal Secretary (Health), said about 40 lakh spectacles are required for the state and already 36 lakh spectacles have reached the destination. She said it was estimated that about four lakh eye surgeries are required and the government has tied up with 114 hospitals across the State for the purpose. She has also instructed the officials to prepare a scheduled invitation and extend it to the public to avoid rush at the camps.
Implementation of the programme will take six months to one year, she said, adding that about 10,000 medical staff and 10,000 locals would be involved.
Collectors P. Venkataram Reddy (Sidddipet), K. Dharma Reddy (Medak) and V. Venkateswarlu (Sangareddy) explained how they are making arrangements for the teams and execution of plan at villages.
Mr. Harish Rao and Sidddipet Collector Mr. Venkataram Reddy admitted that they have failed to identify vision problems in children and that it must be promptly addressed.
