District administration launches first-of-its-kind ‘Blindness-free Shivamogga’ initiative
Shivamogga: In a pioneering move aimed at eliminating preventable blindness, the Shivamogga district administration has launched “Blindness-free Shivamogga”, the first initiative of its kind in Karnataka.
“This is a holistic approach to treating people with eye disorders, irrespective of their financial status. The programme begins this month,” Deccan Herald quoted Kiran, District Leprosy Control Officer and programme in-charge, as saying.
Unlike the national blindness control programme where patients must visit clinics on their own, Blindness-Free Shivamogga reverses the model. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) workers will conduct door-to-door screenings using a mobile app developed specifically for the initiative. The app contains questions on visual health. Based on responses, ASHA workers identify potential patients and refer them to nearby sub-health centres for primary screening.
“Medical services are free for people from all sections of society, not just for BPL families. This has not been done anywhere in the country,” added Kiran.
The scheme is the brainchild of Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer (CEO) N. Hemanth. He emphasised the critical need for early intervention. “Many people are not aware of this and they consult ophthalmologists when the problem reaches the final stage. Blindness-free Shivamogga is designed to overcome exactly this,” DH quoted as Hemanth as saying.
To widen the programme’s footprint, expert doctors will visit villages through coordination with gram panchayats and Primary Health Centres (PHCs). Over 250 sub-health centres will be involved in the eye screening process across the district’s population of 18 lakh. Hemanth estimates that more than half of the population may suffer from some form of eye disorder.
“Till now, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy were not being addressed in general hospitals. Only private hospitals were attending to such patients and people had to spend a lot of money. We are providing free treatment,” DH quoted Hemanth as saying.
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Australia add Steve Smith as replacement for Hazlewood in T20 World Cup squad
Pallekele (PTI): Senior Australia batter Steve Smith was on Monday approved as replacement for the injured pacer Josh Hazlewood, hours before his side's must-win T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka here.
Smith thus becomes the 15th member of the injury-hit Australia squad.
"Smith is named as a replacement for Hazlewood, who is now officially ruled out from participating in the tournament due to a calf injury. The team’s medical staff had hoped to have him fit in time to feature in the latter parts of the tournament but were unsuccessful," the ICC said in statement.
Smith had earlier been flown to Sri Lanka as cover for skipper Mitchell Marsh, who missed Australia's opening two matches due to a testicular injury.
The veteran batter trained with the squad on Sunday and is in contention to feature in the crucial clash.
Smith has not played a T20I since February last year but has been in good form in the format in domestic competitions.
In positive signs for the 2021 champions, Marsh too has returned to training. The skipper batted in the nets while also taking part in running and fielding drills on Sunday.
Australia’s World Cup campaign is hanging in the balance following their 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe, and they must beat Sri Lanka on Monday to avoid an early exit.
