Guwahati, Aug 8: In a major step towards improving geriatric healthcare, the Assam directorate of social justice and empowerment on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with five eye care institutions across the state to provide free cataract surgeries to senior citizens.
This initiative has been taken under Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) — the flagship scheme of the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment, aimed at the welfare of elderly citizens.
The eye care institutions empanelled under the initiative include Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya, Guwahati; Guwahati Eye Centre; Gauhati Lions Eye Hospital; Drishti Netralaya, Dibrugarh and Chandraprabha Eye Hospital, Jorhat.
The MoU-signing ceremony was held at the Assam Administrative Staff College, Khanapara, and presided over by director, social justice and empowerment, Bhaskar Jyoti Manta.
Addressing the gathering, Manta emphasised the Assam government’s commitment to ensuring a dignified and healthy life for senior citizens of the state.
He informed that free cataract surgeries, including screening, operation and post-operative care, would be provided to eligible senior citizens under the scheme.
Senior representatives from all the participating institutions were present during the ceremony and reaffirmed their commitment to providing quality eye care to the elderly.
