Odisha Governor calls for joint action to address eye and anaemia issues among school children
Bhubaneswar, Aug 27 (UNI) Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati has urged industry bodies, NGOs, business houses, educational institutions, financial organisations, eye hospitals, and PSUs to work together in addressing two major health concerns rising vision problems among schoolchildren and low haemoglobin levels among girls and women.
The Governor directed the Health and Family Welfare Secretary to act as the nodal officer and prepare a comprehensive action plan.
He emphasized that several key departments, including Health and Family Welfare, School and Mass Education, ST & SC Development, Women and Child Development, Higher Education, and Skill Development & Technical Education, must play pivotal roles in the programme’s implementation.
Dr. Kambhampati made the appeal while chairing a meeting on blindness control and anaemia eradication at the New Abhishek Hall of Raj Bhavan.
Highlighting the importance of early detection, the Governor noted that many schoolchildren cannot identify eyesight problems without proper medical tests. “Every student’s eyesight should be tested at least once a year, he said, adding that early detection is crucial for both health and education.
Dr Kambhampati suggested that schools be equipped with basic eye check facilities, pointing out that small, affordable devices are available for screening. He said teachers could be trained to conduct regular tests.
On anaemia, the Governor called for more awareness programmes, better nutrition, and regular health check-ups for girls and women. He recommended simple dietary inclusions like carrot-beetroot juice and jaggery chikki to naturally boost haemoglobin levels.
During the meeting, presentations were made to update the Governor on the state’s current situation regarding vision problems and anaemia. Some teachers shared their experience of conducting eye tests in schools, while several organizations pledged their support for the initiative.
