MIAO, Jul 9: In a major milestone towards eliminating avoidable blindness in Arunachal Pradesh, Miao–Khagam Block in Changlang district was officially declared Cataract Blindness Backlog Free (CBBF) during a ceremony held at the Sports Academy in Miao on Tuesday.
The declaration was made by Tezu MLA cum Advisor to Health Minister, Dr Mohesh Chai, who attended the programme as the chief guest. The event was organised by the Arunachal Pradesh State Health Society under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCB-VI) and the Changlang District Health Society, in collaboration with the District Administration and Operation Eyesight Universal (OEU).
Welcoming the gathering, District Medical Officer Dr N Lowang lauded the dedication of ASHAs, ASHA Facilitators and other field functionaries, whose tireless efforts were instrumental in achieving the CBBF status despite various challenges.
State Programme Officer (NPCB-VI) Dr Taba Khanna highlighted the systematic implementation of the campaign, from planning and community mobilisation to execution. He informed that Miao–Khagam is the first block in Arunachal Pradesh to be declared Cataract Blindness Backlog Free solely through government-sector efforts.
Director of Programmes (OEU) Amaresh Pandey thanked the state government for its continued partnership and reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to strengthening eye care services across Arunachal Pradesh.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Mohesh Chai congratulated the Health Department, District Administration, Operation Eyesight Universal and frontline health workers for achieving the milestone. He particularly appreciated the commitment of ASHAs, ASHA Facilitators, ophthalmic surgeons and field staff in identifying and facilitating cataract patients for surgery.
Stressing that good vision is fundamental to health, dignity and socio-economic well-being, the physician-turned-legislator urged all stakeholders to sustain the momentum through timely identification and treatment of cataract cases, enhanced community awareness and improved access to quality eye care services. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to eliminating avoidable blindness and strengthening healthcare delivery.
During the programme, certificates of appreciation and medals were presented to ophthalmic surgeons, healthcare personnel, ASHAs and ASHA Facilitators for their outstanding contribution to the campaign. DMO Dr N Lowang was also honoured with a certificate of appreciation for her leadership in successfully implementing the programme in Changlang district.
Delivering the vote of thanks, District Reproductive & Child Health Officer (DRCHO) Dr Taimik Khimhun expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and reiterated the department’s commitment to sustaining the achievement and further strengthening comprehensive eye care services in the district.
The programme was attended by heads of departments, PRI members, medical officers, Gaon Burahs, village elders, ASHAs, ASHA Facilitators, beneficiaries, public representatives and local residents.