AI SummaryOdisha govt. runs Sunetra Yojana as part of its Universal Eye Health Programme (UEHP) to provide free eye care to all citizens. The scheme, also known as Mukhyamantri Chakshyu Jatna Karyakram, was first launched in 2017 and is still active, with mobile ophthalmic units now reaching people in remote and outreach areas across the state. This article explains the complete details of Odisha Sunetra Yojana.
Sunetra Yojana offers free screening, treatment and surgery for all eye diseases, including cataract, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. The state government has set up vision centres at the Community Health Centre (CHC) level and is running mobile vision units to cover people who cannot easily reach a fixed eye care centre.
Odisha Sunetra Yojana for Universal Eye Care
Sunetra Yojana is Odisha's flagship universal eye health programme. It was launched multiple times in the past, and it continues to run under the current state government. The scheme aims to provide comprehensive eye care to all age groups and keep people safe from avoidable vision problems.
History of Sunetra Yojana Launches
Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik first launched the scheme on 12 October 2017 on the occasion of World Sight Day. The state government then planned to spend around Rs. 682 crore over five years and set the target of complete removal of cataract and setting up vision care centres at the CHC level in all districts by 2022.
Six months later, on 7 April 2018, the scheme was launched again along with Nirmal scheme and Sammpurna Suraksha Kabacha on World Health Day. It was launched a third time on 15 January 2019 during the Ama Gaon Ama Bikash programme, when the target for universal eye care was shifted to 2023. A fourth launch took place on 22 October 2019, when the then Health and Family Welfare Minister Nabakishore Das flagged off mobile vision centres for Khurda, Ganjam, Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts.
Sunetra Yojana Status in 2026
Sunetra Yojana is still running under the current Odisha government led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who took office in June 2024. The state health department continues to operate mobile ophthalmic units under Sunetra, UEHP, Odisha to provide both preventive and curative eye care services to people in hard-to-reach and outreach areas, as well as to poor communities with limited access to fixed vision centres.
These mobile units are being run in several districts, including Dhenkanal, Puri and others, to make sure eye care reaches every eligible person. The programme remains focused on free screening, free treatment and free spectacles for those who need them.
Objectives of Sunetra Yojana in Odisha
Sunetra Yojana works to strengthen the delivery of proper healthcare services through the public health system. The state government aims to provide universal health coverage and ensure "Health For All" with good quality infrastructure and services. Around 91% of people in Odisha depend on the public health sector for health services, and this scheme focuses on free eye treatment facilities for them.
Benefits of Universal Eye Health Programme (UEHP)
According to official data, over 80% of people in Odisha can be cured if proper treatment is provided. For this reason, the government provides free operation facilities and free spectacles to citizens. The government also offers free corneal transplantation surgeries to corneal blind people. The eye care or vision centres provide free treatment of diabetes, retinopathy and other serious eye problems at government-aided hospitals.
The programme also covers all students of the state. Under this scheme, the government screens students for any refractive error in vision and gives them spectacles free of cost in the school itself. The state government has also introduced a web-based information system that helps to build links with all non-public and government empanelled eye hospitals.
The state government has formed a committee with all people involved, such as government officers, representatives of voluntary organizations and academicians, who are responsible for the eye care activities under the programme.
Highlights of Sunetra Yojana
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Sunetra Yojana (Universal Eye Health Programme) |
| Launched By | Odisha government |
| Beneficiaries | All citizens of Odisha |
| Benefits | Free eye screening, treatment, spectacles and surgery |
| Application Mode | Through vision centres and mobile units |
| State | Odisha |
How to Get Sunetra Yojana Benefit
People who need eye care can visit the nearest vision centre at a Community Health Centre or a government hospital in their district. The government also runs mobile ophthalmic units that visit outreach areas, so people in remote villages can get free eye screening and treatment without travelling far.
For the latest details on the mobile unit schedule and the nearest vision centre, people can contact the Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer office in their district or check the official Odisha government health department website.
Source / Reference Link: Sunetra scheme launched four times in two years in Odisha
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