The West Bengal government has made great efforts to offer affordable and high-quality eye care services, whether you want to ensure the health of your eyes or get free eye exams or cataract surgery for a loved one. A commitment to perform free cataract operations has been made through the National Programme of Control of Blindness (NPCB), both at government hospitals and in partnership with partner NGOs.
The range of eye care services and operations offered under the NPCB umbrella includes:
I. Cataract Surgery: Comprehensive cataract surgeries with Intraocular Lens (IOL) implantation, including advanced techniques like Phaco Emulsification with foldable lenses.
II. Diabetic Retinopathy: Management and treatment of diabetic-related eye conditions.
III. Childhood Blindness: Addressing eye health issues in children to ensure a brighter future.
IV. Keratoplasty: Corneal transplant procedures to restore vision.
V. Vitreoretinal Surgery: Advanced surgical interventions for retina-related problems.
It is significant to highlight that expenses for the aforementioned eye care procedures should only be provided from NPCB funding in hospitals under the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal. The project places a strong emphasis on keeping expenses from programs like the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) from crossing over or being double booked.
In addition, the West Bengal government's WB Chokher Alo Scheme 2023 promises to give senior residents free eye care and eyeglasses. By 2025, this innovative program hopes to provide eye care for everyone. With this plan:
Cataract operations for 20 lakh senior citizens are targeted.
8.25 lakh elderly individuals undergoing surgery will receive free spectacles.
10 lakh students will undergo eye tests, with 4 lakh receiving free spectacles.
Anganwadi workers will also benefit from free eye testing.
In a three-phase approach, the Chokher Alo Scheme has commenced, beginning with coverage of 1200 gram panchayats and 120 primary health centers. The subsequent phases will extend this initiative to more areas. Notably, the government is investing in advanced trauma-care facilities, ensuring a comprehensive healthcare approach.
While numerous government hospitals across Kolkata offer eye care services, prominent institutions include Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, N.R.S Medical College and Hospital, National Medical College and Hospital, SSKM Hospital, and the Sushrut Eye Hospital in Salt Lake.
Scheme Highlights:
Target Group:
Senior citizens are the primary beneficiaries of the scheme.
First Phase:
In the first phase, 1200 gram panchayats and 120 primary health centers will be established for the benefit of senior citizens.
Trauma-care Setup:
A trauma-care unit with modern facilities has been set up at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, costing 10 crores.
Facilities include 20 beds, two operation theatres, and a 10-bed recovery room.
Orthopedic and neurosurgeons will be appointed for handling emergency cases.
Key Objective of Chokher Alo Scheme:
Address eye-related issues for residents across all age groups in West Bengal.
Conduct free cataract surgeries for individuals aged 60 and above.
Distribute free spectacles to economically disadvantaged individuals in the state.
Promote eye health awareness among students, conducting eye tests for 10 lakh students, providing free spectacles to 4 lakh students.
Engage with Anganwadi centers to facilitate eye examinations for children.
Details of Chokher Alo Scheme:
The scheme covers a broad spectrum of eye care services, from preventive measures against blindness to free cataract surgeries. Over 300 ophthalmic surgeons and 400 optometrists actively engage in conducting surgeries and eye examinations. The initiative also extends to providing free spectacles for students in government schools.
Free Eye Treatment Under Chokher Alo Scheme:
All services under the "Chokher Alo" scheme, including eye treatments, surgeries, and spectacles, are provided free of cost. The scheme targets at least 20 lakh senior citizens for cataract surgeries and aims to conduct eye tests for 10 lakh students, providing free spectacles to those in need.
Features & Benefits of Chokher Alo Scheme:
Universal Participation: Residents of all ages can benefit from the scheme.
Extended Duration: With a planned duration of five years, sustained efforts aim to enhance eye health awareness.
Community Outreach: Engaging with local communities through Anganwadi centers ensures even the youngest members receive necessary care.
Empowering the Underprivileged: The scheme particularly empowers economically disadvantaged individuals by offering free eye care, surgeries, and spectacles.
Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required for Chokher Alo Scheme:
Permanent resident of West Bengal.
Senior citizen.
Anganwadi worker or student in the state.
Aadhar card
Voter ID card
Address proof
Mobile number
Passport size photograph
Process To Apply for Chokher Alo Scheme:
The application procedure is yet to be declared. Updates will be provided once the government announces the process. As of now, the government has not announced the application procedure. Interested individuals should await further instructions. Any questions or queries can be directed to the comment box.
As of now, the online registration portal for the WB Chokher Alo Scheme has not been launched.
Stay tuned for official announcements regarding the portal launch, and details on how beneficiaries can register will be made available.
To enroll in the West Bengal Health Scheme, follow these steps:
Visit the West Bengal Health Scheme Portal.
Click on "Online Enrollment" in the header section.
Choose "Government Employee."
If you have a PRAN/GPF number, select "Yes," and provide the necessary details.
If you don't have the details, choose "No" and opt for "Non-GPF."
For downloading a WBHS certificate:
Register on the WBHS portal.
Log in using your ID and password.
Click on the "Download Enrollment Certificate" option.
The West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS) offers extensive medical coverage, encompassing hospitalization, surgeries, and various treatments. Beneficiaries can access cashless medical treatment at affiliated hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Beneficiaries:
Approximately 20 million citizens, covering all age groups from seniors to children.
Official Website:
Costs Involved:
The project incorporates a budget of 10 crore INR for a modern medical trauma care center.
Each Asha worker is incentivized with a motivational allowance of up to 350 INR.
Recent Directives for the Chokher Alo Project:
Despite the initiation of the project, only 50% of its intended goals have been achieved, as per health department reports.
Additional measures have been introduced, such as the formation of task forces in each district to ensure effective implementation.
Incentives are provided to Asha workers for identifying individuals facing visual impairments due to conditions like cataracts and facilitating their hospital visits.
Please note that the information provided is based on the available Bengali text, and for the most accurate and current details, it is recommended to refer to official government sources or announcements.
As of now, the government has not announced the application procedure. Interested individuals should await further instructions. Any questions or queries can be directed to the comment box.
FAQs:
Who is eligible for WB Chokher Alo Scheme benefits?
Ans. Senior citizens of the state.
What will be offered under WB Chokher Alo Scheme?
Ans. Free eye checkups, spectacles, and surgery facilities.
How many beneficiaries are there under the scheme?
Ans. 20 lakh senior citizens.
When was the scheme launched?
Ans. The scheme was launched in January 2021.
Please keep in mind that this information is intended for educational purposes and to provide an overview of available services. For personalized medical advice and care, it is recommended to consult with qualified healthcare professionals.
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