Netra Kumbh 2025: Transforming Eye Care During Mahakumbh

Rishabh Rastogi

Lucknow/ Prayagraj: Netra Kumbh 2025 is set to become one of the most ambitious and comprehensive eye care initiatives ever undertaken during the Mahakumbh, with the goal of providing high-quality ophthalmic care to thousands of visitors. The program, spearheaded by a team of experts, brings together cutting-edge technology, skilled volunteers, and a robust infrastructure to offer seamless eye care on an unprecedented scale.

Dr. Praveen Kumar Reddy, Chief Medical Officer of the initiative, described Netra Kumbh as a model for mass healthcare delivery. He emphasized that the program is not only about providing immediate eye care but also about setting a precedent for large-scale, community-driven healthcare services.

Key Features of Netra Kumbh

Volunteer Participation: The initiative has garnered tremendous support, with over 500 ophthalmologists and 1,000 optometrists volunteering to provide care during the event. Dr. Reddy highlighted that 40 ophthalmologists and 100 optometrists will be available at all times to ensure quick and effective treatment for visitors.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: To handle the massive number of patients expected, Netra Kumbh has set up an impressive infrastructure. There are 42 registration counters to streamline patient intake, while 40 ophthalmologist stations are equipped with advanced slit lamps for accurate diagnoses. The initiative also features 100 vision screening stations, all equipped with autorefraction technology, to make the screening process faster and more efficient. Additionally, 30 lens edging machines will ensure swift turnaround times for those requiring spectacles.

Service Delivery: A key aspect of the initiative is its efficiency. The program guarantees that 95% of spectacles will be dispensed within 2-3 hours of screening. For those needing high-power lenses, delivery will be made the very next day. Moreover, to cater to patients who may not be able to wait, spectacles will be delivered free of charge to their homes through Indiapost. In order to manage the large volume of patients, Netra Kumbh has integrated Electronic Medical Records (EMR) for seamless data management, further optimizing service delivery.

Continuity of Care: While 80-90% of diagnostic procedures will be performed on-site, any complex cases will be referred to 216 partner hospitals equipped to handle advanced treatments. Cataract surgeries, a key focus of the initiative, will be performed, and patients will receive standard monofocal IOLs to ensure effective treatment.

Impact So Far

As of now, Netra Kumbh has made significant progress, having screened 78,029 patients and dispensed 52,520 spectacles. Additionally, 6,139 patients have been referred for further treatments, including cataract surgeries. These numbers reflect the scale and success of the initiative, which continues to grow.

Strong Partnerships Ensuring Success

Netra Kumbh has forged vital partnerships with SAKSHAM and the Uttar Pradesh Government to ensure the program’s success. These partnerships provide comprehensive support, ensuring that the initiative reaches as many people as possible and delivers quality care across the board.

Advanced Technology and Data Management

One of the cornerstones of the initiative is its use of cutting-edge technology. The project is monitored by Prasanna Darog, an IBM Senior Manager with over 20 years of experience in the US, who now oversees operations from Bengaluru.. Giri and Balakrishna from London, along with Archit from Singapore, have played crucial roles in setting up 250 laptops, maintaining two servers, and managing cloud-based data systems to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.

Netra Kumbh 2025 is more than just an eye care initiative; it is a game-changer in the field of public healthcare. By providing accessible, high-quality eye care to thousands during Mahakumbh, it sets a powerful example of how collaborative efforts and technology-driven solutions can transform mass healthcare delivery. The success of this initiative holds great promise for future large-scale healthcare projects, not just in India but globally, highlighting the impact that well-organized community-driven efforts can have on public health.

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------

Related posts