AI SummaryKerala government started Nerkazhcha scheme as a complete plan for eye health. Under this scheme, all families in the state go through an eye examination. Through this effort, the state government aims to reach an "Avoidable Blindness Free" status. In this free eye check up scheme, the government will carry out universal eye screening of citizens to treat refractive errors, cataract and other eye ailments. The authorities will also create a database of the eye health profile of every citizen, linked to the Aadhaar number. All services are given free to state residents.
Nerkazhcha scheme was announced in the Kerala Budget 2023-24, presented on 3 February 2023. It is a four year program, so it runs till the financial year 2026-27. An amount of Rs 50 crore is set aside for this scheme in that budget. The scheme is a large public campaign that involves health workers, ASHA workers and Kudumbasree volunteers.
About Kerala Nerkazhcha Scheme
Along with eye examination, people are also given spectacles free to those found with vision problems. The eligible people are given top priority based on their economic backwardness. The Nerkazhcha project will provide free medical advice and medicines to all visually impaired persons.
This free eye check up scheme in Kerala follows the same lines as the Kanti Velugu scheme. In Nerkazhcha scheme, eye screening of citizens is done to treat refractive errors, cataract and other ailments. The scheme also covers the distribution of spectacles and surgeries to treat eye disorders.
Objectives of Free Eye Check Up Scheme
The main aims of this Nerkazhcha scheme are as follows:
- To carry out universal eye screening and vision tests for all citizens of the state.
- In case of refraction errors, spectacles are provided free.
- Surgeries are arranged for Cataract, Glaucoma, Retinopathy and Corneal Disorders.
- For Vitamin A deficiency and eye infections, medicines are provided free.
- To teach people about the prevention of serious eye disabling diseases.
All the services are provided free. This Nerkazhcha scheme will give benefits to all people, no matter their socio-economic status. This is a very important step, as around 30% to 40% of citizens in the state suffer from eye problems.
Eye Camps under Nerkazhcha Scheme
Eye camps are held in different parts of the state to find and treat eye disorders. The Nerkazhcha scheme sees the participation of health workers, ASHA workers and Kudumbasree volunteers. Along with eye examination, spectacles are also given free to those found with vision problems. People are given priority based on their economic backwardness, and the scheme runs for 4 years, till the financial year 2026-27.
Overview of Nerkazhcha Scheme
| Name of Scheme | Nerkazhcha scheme |
| State | Kerala |
| Objectives | Free eye examination, free spectacles for those with low vision |
| Announced in | Kerala Budget Speech 2023-24 |
| Date of Announcement | 03 February 2023 |
| Duration of scheme | 4 years, till FY 2026-27 |
| Major Beneficiaries | All residents of the state |
Salient Features of Nerkazhcha Scheme
Here are the important features and highlights of the Nerkazhcha scheme in Kerala:
- Eye screening and vision test for all citizens of the state.
- Free spectacles for those with low vision.
- Free surgeries and other treatments.
- Medicines for common eye ailments.
- Education on prevention of serious disabling eye diseases.
For more details, see the official Kerala Budget documents at Kerala Budget official portal.