The second phase of the Netra Suraksha project is dedicated to protecting the sight of India’s defense soldiers’ loved ones.
The Netra Suraksha Initiative-India Against Diabetes has entered its second phase, according to Network18.
The three-month effort is dedicated to preserving the eyes of India’s Defense Forces’ loved ones. On the 14th of June 2022, the initiative was officially launched at the Dharamshala BSF War Memorial in Kutch, Gujarat. Those who were there at the time of the incident
The event’s principal guest was Hon’ble Smt. Dr. Nimaben Acharya, Speaker of the Gujarat Assembly.
In addition, Mr. Sanjay Srivastav, DIG, BSF, Kachchh Sector, Mr. Sanjay Avinash, Commandant, 74 Battalion BSF, Mr. Yashvir Hooda, Officiating Commandant 3 Battalion BSF, Mr. Saurabh Singh, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Bhuj, Ms. Vaishali Iyer, Country Head, Novartis India, Dr. Manisha Agarwal, Head of Vit Dr. Mahipal Sachdev, Chairman & Medical Director of Centre for Sight Group of Eye Hospitals, and Dr. Vijay Viswanathan, National Vice President, RSSDI, who joined the event online, offered their perspectives on Diabetic Retinopathy and recommended patients to seek early identification.
The Netra Suraksha awareness camp was successfully launched as a result of the event. Mr. Sanjay Avinash, Commandant, 74 Battalion BSF, and Mr. Yashvir Hooda, Officiating Commandant 3 Battalion BSF, as well as Mr. Saurabh Singh, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Bhuj, were the first to have their eyes examined at the location.
Panel talks on Diabetes and Eye Health: Timely Prevention and the Need for Cohesive Policy Change were also held throughout the event. Speaker of the Gujarat Assembly, Hon’ble Smt. Dr. Nimaben Acharya, remarked, “I applaud Network18 on launching this campaign from the border.
For BSF Jawans, Netra Suraksha is critical. Diabetes is a silent killer, and individuals should have frequent checkups to see whether they have it and be aware of its negative effects on the eyes.”
She went on to say, “It is preferable to prevent than than cure. Although diabetes is not totally curable because it is a chronic condition, prompt treatment and preventative measures might assist to avoid the serious consequences of diabetes, one of which is Diabetic Retinopathy.”
There are over 70 million diabetic individuals in India, each of them is at risk of Diabetic Retinopathy, which can affect eyesight and finally lead to blindness.
The majority of individuals are uninformed of diabetes and its repercussions, according to the debate. It is, however, a prophylactic illness that necessitates early identification.
It might result in blindness if not addressed promptly. Diabetic Retinopathy is asymptomatic in its early stages.
If prompt and early check-ups are performed, significant vision loss can be avoided. According to Mr. Sanjay Srivastav, DIG, BSF, Kachchh Sector, “This is a fantastic idea.
Due to the extreme heat, serving in the Kutch region is extremely challenging, and the blazing sun has a negative influence on eye health. Diabetic Retinopathy can lead to blindness, therefore it’s crucial to be aware of your eye health and take preventative actions.
Only if our warriors are aware of it will they be able to protect their eyes and provide the greatest service possible. Every 2 to 3 months, soldiers must have their eyes checked.
Because our jawans are stationed far away from their homes, it is each individual’s responsibility at home to ensure that family members have eye exams and take preventative steps.”
The Defense Forces are a vital part of the country’s defense, standing tall in a variety of difficult locales and situations. The campaign is aimed at caring for the families of those who guard us in an effort to serve these heroic souls by preserving their sight.
The project raises awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy and preventable blindness, and encourages military families to have their eyes tested by a Retinologist every six months to a year.
Network18 Group’s CEO-Digital & President-Corporate Strategy, Puneet Singhvi, stated, “Our troops safeguard the country and its citizens with their hearts, minds, and souls.
We are quite proud of our armed troops, as well as their families. As a result, the Netra Suraksha initiative’s second phase is dedicated to the families of military soldiers. It’s a modest gift from us to the families of warriors who serve our country at all hours of the day and night.
We hope that by using them, we can encourage people to get regular eye exams and to be aware of diabetes-related eye disorders “Families of Indian soldiers are proud of their soldiers for their bravery in the face of adversity; however, they are advised to take care of themselves as well, as they can lead by example and inspire people across the country to get themselves tested on a regular basis to avoid Diabetic Retinopathy.
Ms. Vaishali Iyer, Novartis India’s Country Head for Communications and CSR, stated, “It is our mission at Novartis to reimagine medicines in order to improve and lengthen people’s lives.
This chapter of “Netra Suraksha” is especially significant since it is devoted to our military personnel and their families. We are delighted to have worked with Network18 on this critical program, which they initiated last year.
A campaign like this requires the cooperation of a variety of stakeholders, including the government, medical associations such as VRSI and RSSDI, the media, diagnostic and healthcare providers, and others.
And it’s inspiring to see Netra Suraksha gaining support from each of these organizations. I am convinced that persons living with Diabetes will get their eyes checked on a regular basis because of our common goal of raising awareness about Diabetic Retinopathy.”
The three-month campaign aims to raise awareness throughout the country.
The eye test screening will take place across the country, with a focus on Jawans and their families.