Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)
Mangaluru, Feb 17: “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the Asha Kiran programme themed ‘Eye Care at Your Doorstep’ on February 18 in Haveri. This special initiative, initiated by the state government, aims to provide high-quality eye testing services and will be active in eight districts initially. As the first phase, we are starting it in Chikkaballapur, Kalaburagi, Haveri, and Chamarajanagar districts. The second phase will begin in Chitradurga, Mandya, Raichur, and Uttara Kannada districts,” said district in-charge minister and minister for health and family welfare, Dinesh Gundu Rao on Saturday February 17.
He further added, "Under Asha Kiran, eye check-ups will be conducted for individuals across all age groups. Free spectacles will be provided to the visually impaired, and cataract surgeries will be performed free of cost. In the first phase across four districts, a total of 5,659,036 people underwent primary screening (averaging 84%), of whom 828,784 underwent further screening. Out of these, 245,587 beneficiaries have been identified for the distribution of spectacles, and 39,336 people have undergone cataract surgery. In the second phase across four districts, a total of 5,277,235 people underwent primary screening averaging 71%, out of which 943,398 were diagnosed with eye-related problems. Further treatment, including the distribution of spectacles and surgery, will be provided."
Prior to this event, Dinesh Gundurao, Minister of Health and Family Welfare and district in-charge, unveiled the Basavana portrait and emphasized the teachings of Basavana. He stated, "It was demanded by the people of Karnataka that Basavana should be announced as Karnataka's icon, and our state government under Siddaramaiah has taken the decision to declare it. During our last rule, we had installed Basavana photographs in all offices." He added, "There are few individuals who have been born and made India great. Basavana is a revolutionary figure who addressed social problems and raised his voice against injustice in the 12th century. Despite belonging to the Brahmin caste, Basavanna allowed women to make decisions and appreciated inter-caste marriages. His vachanas are practical and emphasize humanity over religion."
He said, "According to me, Basavanna is a great man and an asset to our state. His experiments with Anubhava Mantapa ensured a democratic system in his times. Even Mahatma Gandhi joined this group since he always chanted 'Hai Ram' and believed that wiping the tears of all human beings was the real Rama Rajya. Scientific and progressive thoughts are essential in our lives, and we should not harbor hatred but rather control our thoughts and temper, which is what our society needs."
He stated, "I do not think anyone can object to this decision. You cannot say anything negative about Basavana since he propagated thoughts of humanity, and anybody from any caste, religion, or creed will not oppose it."
When the media asked questions regarding how many phases it will take and the processes involved, the minister responded, "We will cover the entire Karnataka one by one, ensuring complete coverage before our tenure is completed. Each phase costs approximately Rs 22 crore, with the majority of expenses allocated to surgeries and spectacles."
Regarding inquiries about the Ayushman Bharat card, which currently covers medical bills up to Rs 5 lac, and plans to increase the coverage slab, the minister acknowledged, "Yes, we are aware of the concerns raised due to the Rs 5 lac slab. However, 60% of the expenditure of the Ayushman Bharat card is covered by the state government. We are currently compiling a list of necessary adjustments."
In response to questions about plans for cancer care and the Namma Clinic initiative, the minister stated, "We are considering these matters carefully. It's a special initiative that requires attention. We aim to provide day-care chemotherapy treatment in all district hospitals by the end of this year."
During the occasion, Mullai Muhilan, deputy commissioner, along with Anand K, CEO of zilla panchayat, Mangaluru, and others were present.