By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Medical experts in the field of eye treatment informed that the pathetic health seeking behavior among the community was the primary reason for avoidable blindness in the State. Expressing concern over the result of the health seeking behavior survey conducted all over the state recently, Sr Optometrist Consultant/Head of Optometry department of Bansara, Anton Decruse Wanbah said, “Over 8,000 people were screened across the State and the figures are very discouraging. The level of awareness in health care is low.”
Divulging into more details, Wanbah said that the population was divided into low, middle and high economic status out of which the lowest was found to be prevalent amongst the lower economic sections of the society.
Putting forward the comparison between the urban and the rural lot, Wanbah said that the rural mass was ahead in the lack of health seeking behavior.
“There are lots of myths, believes and local medicines that rural people rely on before going for proper medical assistance,” observed Wanbah adding that proper awareness is the tool to address it.
Endorsing similar views, Medical director of Bansara, Dr Jennifer V Basaiawmoit, said, “We have learned from the survey that our health behavior is very bad and people are very complacent about their health.”