- Free spectacles distributed to 3,165 needy individuals; medicines provided to 800 people
- Finance Minister Shri O.P. Choudhary inspected the camp, personally fitted spectacles for beneficiaries, and honored the medical professionals
- Service should not be limited to mere celebrations but should be a means to reach the needy: Finance Minister Shri O.P. Choudhary
Under the ‘Seva Mera Yogdan’ initiative, a massive free eye check-up camp was organized on Friday at the Government Higher Secondary School in Pusaur, Raigarh district. A total of 3,493 people from various villages across the district underwent eye examinations at the camp. Following the check-ups, free spectacles were provided to 3,165 needy individuals, and free medicines were distributed to approximately 800 people.
Fourteen registration counters were set up for the convenience of the attendees, with separate arrangements made for men and women. The screening process was supported by over 10 eye specialists and 38 ophthalmic assistants. The Health Department team worked continuously from 9:00 AM onwards. Student volunteers from the NSS and Scouts & Guides assisted attendees throughout the process—from registration and screening to the distribution of spectacles. Arrangements for shade, drinking water, meals, and refreshments were also made for the visitors.
- Developing the habit of periodic health check-ups is essential: Finance Minister Shri Choudhary
Finance Minister and Raigarh MLA Shri O.P. Choudhary inspected the camp and reviewed the eye screening, spectacle distribution, and other health services provided. He inaugurated the event by lighting a lamp before the portraits of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and Goddess Saraswati.
Finance Minister Shri Choudhary emphasized that timely eye examinations are crucial. Vision-related issues, especially in children, often go undetected for a long time and can impact their academic performance. Sharing his own experience, he mentioned that he was unaware of his own weak eyesight until the 12th grade; it was only after a later examination that the need for glasses became apparent. He emphasized the importance of cultivating a habit of undergoing periodic health check-ups rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. Awareness regarding general health screenings—alongside eye and dental check-ups—is crucial.
Shri Chaudhary stated that there is a need for such camps in villages where people can access screenings, medical consultations, and necessary facilities all in one place. Under the ‘Seva Mera Yogdan’ (Service is My Contribution) initiative, the aim was to reach the needy through service rather than limiting the event to mere festivities.
Finance Minister Shri Chaudhary commended the doctors, ophthalmic assistants, Health Department personnel, NSS and Scout-Guide students, and administrative staff for their contributions to the camp’s success. He personally handed out spectacles to the beneficiaries and distributed Ayushman cards to five individuals. He honored the doctors, who had been serving since the morning, by presenting them with certificates of appreciation and shawls. Peepal saplings were also distributed by the Forest Department on this occasion.
- Seven-day village outreach campaign; arrangements made to transport people from over 550 panchayats
Collector Shri Mayank Chaturvedi stated that extensive publicity regarding the camp had been carried out in the Gram Panchayats over the past seven days. Arrangements were made to transport people from more than 550 Gram Panchayats in the district to the camp venue. Private doctors were also involved in the initiative and provided continuous service throughout the day.
The Collector mentioned that eye screenings are also being conducted for approximately 45,000 students studying in government schools across the district. Often, children are unaware that they have weak eyesight. Therefore, timely screening is essential to identify and address such issues. He urged parents to spend some time each day talking to their children about their studies and any difficulties they face at school.
- Beneficiaries expressed great relief at receiving both the eye examination and spectacles at the same location.
Villagers attending the camp expressed happiness at the availability of free eye examinations and the immediate provision of spectacles. Satrupa Patel from Jharmuda mentioned that she used to struggle to see distant objects while performing daily tasks but had not previously found the opportunity to get her eyes examined. She noted that receiving spectacles after the camp’s examination would now make reading, writing, and daily activities much easier.
Yogita Mahant from Bayang shared that she used to suffer from headaches while working on a computer; she hopes to find relief after receiving spectacles following the eye check-up at the camp. Parvati Maitri from Bunga village also expressed her happiness at receiving an eye examination and spectacles for her vision issues, and she thanked Finance Minister Shri O.P. Choudhary for organizing this large-scale camp.
Also present on the occasion were former MLA Shri Vijay Agrawal; Nagar Panchayat President Smt. Mani Mohit Satapathy; Janpad Panchayat President Smt. Hemlata Chauhan; Zila Panchayat members Shri Brijesh Gupta, Smt. Lakshmi Jeevan Patel, and Smt. Bhagyawati Dolnarayan; Shri Jaimini Gupta; Nagar Panchayat Vice-President Shri Umesh Sao; along with councilors, other public representatives, Health Department officials and staff, doctors, NSS and Scout-Guide students, and a large number of villagers.