Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB), launched in 1994-95, aims to reduce the prevalence of avoidable blindness in India. The 11th Five Year Plan (2007-2012) marked a significant phase for the NPCB, witnessing the introduction of several new initiatives to enhance its reach and effectiveness. Recognizing that avoidable blindness posed a substantial socio-economic burden, the plan focused on strengthening infrastructure, improving service delivery, and raising awareness about eye care. These initiatives were crucial in addressing the backlog of blindness and preventing new cases, contributing to improved quality of life for millions.
New Initiatives during the 11th Five Year Plan (NPCB)
The 11th Five Year Plan saw a shift towards a more comprehensive and integrated approach to blindness control. Key initiatives can be categorized as follows:
1. Strengthening Service Delivery
- Establishment of Vision Centres: A major initiative was the establishment of Vision Centres (VCs) in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. These centres provided comprehensive eye care services, including screening, refraction, and dispensing of spectacles, at the primary health centre level. Approximately 600 VCs were established during this period.
- Strengthening District Eye Care Units: Existing District Eye Care Units (DECUs) were strengthened with equipment and manpower to improve cataract surgical services and other eye care interventions.
- Focus on Childhood Blindness: Increased emphasis was placed on early detection and treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in newborns, a leading cause of childhood blindness.
- Corneal Transplantation: Initiatives were taken to promote corneal donation and improve the availability of corneal grafts for transplantation.
2. Human Resource Development
- Training of Ophthalmic Personnel: The plan focused on training ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other eye care personnel to address the shortage of skilled manpower.
- Skill Upgradation Programs: Existing eye care professionals were provided with skill upgradation programs to enhance their knowledge and expertise in modern eye care techniques.
- Support for Medical Colleges: Financial assistance was provided to medical colleges to strengthen their ophthalmology departments.
3. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC)
- Awareness Campaigns: Large-scale awareness campaigns were launched to educate the public about the causes of blindness, the importance of early detection, and the availability of treatment options.
- Media Engagement: Utilization of various media platforms, including television, radio, and print media, to disseminate information about eye care.
- Community Mobilization: Involvement of community health workers and NGOs in promoting eye health awareness and facilitating access to eye care services.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation
- Strengthened Monitoring System: A robust monitoring system was established to track the progress of the NPCB and identify areas for improvement.
- Regular Evaluation Studies: Periodic evaluation studies were conducted to assess the impact of the program and provide feedback for policy adjustments.
5. Financial Allocation & Targets
The financial allocation for the NPCB was significantly increased during the 11th Five Year Plan. The program aimed to reduce the prevalence of blindness from 1.4% to 0.8% by the end of the plan period. While the target was not fully achieved, significant progress was made in reducing the backlog of blindness and improving access to eye care services.
| Component | Initiative | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Service Delivery | Vision Centres | Increased access to primary eye care in underserved areas. |
| Human Resource | Training Programs | Improved availability of skilled eye care personnel. |
| Awareness | IEC Campaigns | Enhanced public awareness about eye health and prevention of blindness. |
Conclusion
The 11th Five Year Plan initiatives under the NPCB represented a significant step forward in India’s fight against avoidable blindness. The focus on strengthening service delivery, human resource development, and awareness campaigns yielded positive results, improving access to eye care and reducing the burden of blindness. While challenges remain, the foundation laid during this period continues to inform and guide the NPCB’s efforts towards achieving universal eye health. Continued investment and innovation are crucial to further accelerate progress and ensure that everyone has access to quality eye care.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.