Bangladesh is set to launch a nationwide initiative aimed at eliminating cataract blindness within the next four to five years. State Minister for Health Dr. M A Muhit expressed optimism about achieving this goal through a coordinated effort involving the government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Comprehensive Plan for Eye Care
Dr. Muhit announced a nationwide cataract surgery program targeting elderly citizens, with plans to conduct several hundred thousand successful operations annually. The initiative is part of a broader plan to introduce comprehensive eye care services for people of all age groups. This includes school-based screening programs to identify vision problems among children and provide corrective glasses, as well as regular eye health services for workers in various institutions.
Leveraging Technology and Infrastructure
Advanced eye care services, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technology, will be expanded to ensure quality treatment reaches poor and marginalized people. The government is also preparing a five-year national perspective plan that incorporates a common reporting mechanism to strengthen eye care services across the country. The first year of the plan will focus on reassessing existing eye care facilities and planning services at district hospitals, followed by measures to improve infrastructure, recruit additional manpower, and enhance service capacity.
Addressing the shortage of skilled human resources, Dr. Muhit called for greater investment in training and capacity building for ophthalmologists and other eye care professionals. He emphasized the need to expand both the number and quality of government and private training institutions.
