Kerala government has started a new Nerkazhcha scheme 2024 as a comprehensive plan for eye health. In the new Nerkazhcha scheme, all families of the state will undergo eye examination. Through this initiative, the state govt. of Kerala aims to achieve “Avoidable Blindness Free” status. In this Free Complete Eye Check Up Scheme, govt. will perform Universal Eye Screening of citizens to treat refractive errors, cataract and other ailments. Also the concerned authorities will create a database of eye health profile of citizens linked to Aadhaar Number. All services will be given absolutely free of cost to benefit state residents.
About Kerala Nerkazhcha Scheme 2024
Kerala Nerkazhcha would be a massive popular campaign involving health workers, ASHA workers and Kudumbasree volunteers. Along with eye examination, spectacles will also be given free of cost to those diagnosed with vision disabilities. All the beneficiaries would be prioritized on the basis of their economic backwardness. Nerkazhcha scheme is targeted to be completed in four years. The Nerkazhcha project will provide free medical advice and medicines to all visually impaired persons. An amount of Rs. 50 crore is earmarked for the scheme in Kerala Budget 2023-24.
This Free Eye Check up Scheme in Kerala will follow the similar lines of Odisha Kanti Velugu scheme. In Nerkazhcha scheme, eye screening of citizens would be done to treat refractive errors, cataract and other ailments. This scheme also includes distribution of spectacles and surgeries to treat eye disorders. In this article, we will tell you about the complete details of the Nerkazhcha programme.
Objectives of Free Eye Check-Up Scheme
The main objectives of this Nerkazhcha Scheme 2024 are as follows:-
- To conduct universal eye screening and vision tests for all citizens of the state.
- In case of refraction errors, spectacles will be provided free of cost.
- Surgeries will be organized in case of Cataract, Glaucoma, Retinopathy, Corneal Disorders.
- For Vitamin A deficiency and Eye infections, medicines will be provided free of cost.
- To educate people on prevention of serious eye disabling diseases.
All the services to be provided are absolutely free of cost. This Nerkazhcha Scheme will provide benefits to all residents irrespective of their socio-economic status. This is an essential step as around 30% to 40% citizens in the state are suffering from eye problems.
Eye Camps under Nerkazhcha Scheme
Various Eye Camps will be organized in different parts of the state to identify and treat eye disorders. The Nerkazhcha scheme would see participation of health workers, ASHA workers and Kudumbasree volunteers. Along with eye examination, spectacles will also be given free of cost to those diagnosed with vision disabilities. Beneficiaries would be given priority on the basis of their economic backwardness and this scheme will run for next 4 years i.e FY 2026-27.
Overview of Nerkazhcha Scheme
| Name of Scheme | Nerkazhcha scheme |
| State | Kerala |
| Objectives | free eye examination, spectacles will also be given free of cost to those diagnosed with vision disabilities |
| Announced in | Kerala Budget Speech 2023-24 |
| Date of Announcement | 03 February 2023 |
| Duration of scheme | Next 4 years i.e till FY 2026-27 |
| Major Beneficiaries | All residents of state |
Salient Features of Nerkazhcha Scheme
Here are the important features and highlights of the Nerkazhcha Scheme 2024 in Kerala state:-
- To conduct eye screening & vision test for all citizens of the state.
- Provide spectacles free of cost.
- Arrange for surgeries and other treatments free of cost.
- Provide medicines for common eye ailments.
- Educate people on prevention of serious disabling eye diseases.
— For more details, see the official Kerala Budget Speech 2023-24 at https://www.finance.kerala.gov.in/bdgtDcs.jsp