Universal eye health in odisha, India, Sunetra. Report # 1. program planning

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the program planning of Sunetra (Healthy Eyes), the universal eye health coverage in the Indian state Odisha. Methods: The Indian state of Odisha launched the universal eye health coverage in October 2017. This is the first Indian state to officially respond to the World Health Organiza-tion’s Global Action Plan. Results: The Government of Odisha pledged INR 6,820 million (US$ 100 million approxi-mately) spread over 5 years. Each third of the pledged money is allocated for immediate direct benefit, building the infrastructure and human resources, and creating a digital eye health platform for uniform documentation and policy planning. Conclusion: It is hoped that at the end of 5 years, by 2022, the state will attain the goals prescribed in the Global Action Plan in eye care.