In a powerful appeal to transform eye care delivery in India, Padma Shri awardee Dr Dhananjay Sagdeo has called for a decisive shift beyond hospital walls. The chief of Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission in Kerala's Wayanad district emphasized the critical need to take essential eye care services directly to the doorsteps of patients, particularly those living in remote rural and tribal regions.
Vision Beyond Hospital Walls: The 'Eye Care for Door' Concept
Dr Sagdeo articulated his vision while speaking at the release of the latest issue of the Netraanjali monthly. The event was held at the Sankalp Siddhi complex of Madhav Netralaya and Research Centre in Vasudev Nagar, Nagpur, on Friday. He championed the implementation of a community-focused model dubbed "Eye Care for Door". This concept relies heavily on mobile units and extensive outreach programs to bridge the healthcare gap.
"Healthcare is not limited to treatment alone," Dr Sagdeo stated, underlining the indispensable role of preventive care. He argued that timely vision testing and screening could prevent numerous complications and ensure that services permeate every stratum of society.
Madhav Netralaya's Dual Role: Treatment and Pioneering Research
During his address, Dr Sagdeo lauded the host institution, Madhav Netralaya. He noted that while it is widely recognized for treating a spectrum of eye diseases, it places equal importance on research and innovation in ophthalmic care. Highlighting its charitable mission, he said the institution has taken a lead role in providing quality treatment and advancing research for eye patients across Central India.
In his introductory remarks, Anil Sharma detailed the various projects undertaken by Madhav Netralaya. He pointed out that economically weaker patients receive treatment at nominal charges. Sharma also informed the gathering about a proposed state-of-the-art eye care services project being developed in the area.
Mobile Clinics: The Key to Preventing Avoidable Blindness
Dr Sagdeo connected his 'Eye Care for Door' advocacy to larger national goals. He pointed out that large-scale national efforts are underway to prevent avoidable blindness. For these efforts to succeed, he stressed that mobile eye care units are absolutely crucial, especially for reaching remote and underserved regions effectively.
He cited practical examples, such as the mobile eye clinics operated in districts like Gadchiroli in collaboration with the zilla parishad. These units, along with vision testing, screening, and follow-up programs in other institutions, form the backbone of this outreach model.
Dr Sagdeo also shared insights into the health education initiatives and various healthcare projects his own organization is implementing in Wayanad, Kerala.
The program saw the presence of several dignitaries, including senior RSS pracharak Ravindra Bhusari and managing director of Madhav Netralaya, Maj Gen (Retd) Dr Anil Bam. Others in attendance were Anil G Sharma, Vandana Varnekar, Sandeep Dharmadhikari, and a host of medical professionals and editorial members like Dr Hitesh Yadav, Neha Mishra, and Sudhakar Gokhale. The event was compered by Shraddha Badkas, with Vandana Varnekar delivering the vote of thanks.
