Government initiative for patients with diabetic retinal disorders

The State Government announced to provide Ranibizumab injection free of cost to diabetic patients with eye complications.
Health Minister Pratap Jena interacting with doctors in Capital Hospital | Express
Health Minister Pratap Jena interacting with doctors in Capital Hospital | Express

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government on Wednesday announced to provide Ranibizumab injection free of cost to diabetic patients with eye complications. The drug works wonder for treatment of retinal diseases and macular edema patients with eye ailments.

Inaugurating an infinite Phaco-emulsifier Machine with high-end ophthalmic microscope at Capital Hospital here, Health and Family Welfare Minister Pratap Jena said several steps have been initiated for complete elimination of avoidable blindness in the State.“The Ranibizumab injection now provided at Capital Hospital will be made available for patients at SCB Medical College and Hospital at Cuttack, MKCG Medical College and Hospital at Berhampur and Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Science and Research (VIMSAR) at Burla free of cost,” he said.

Once administered, the Ranibizumab interrupts interaction of VEGF with its receptors and prevents the subsequent growth of new blood vessels. Other than diabetes, the injection is also helpful for venous occlusion in the retina and age related macular degeneration, an eye disease that affects people at old age. The injection was available at few private hospitals in the State and patients were paying `40,000 for treatment.

The Health Minister also launched a mobile application for screening and treatment eye-related ailments. This App will help in registration and appointment of retinopathy screening of diabetics.The mobile App DROP (Diabetic Retinopathy in Odisha Programme) has been developed for online registration of diabetics and to take appointment for retinopathy check up by the ophthalmologist in the nearest Government health facility like Sub Divisional Hospital and District Headquarters Hospital free of cost.

The patients registered in the App will be informed by messages for subsequent follow up before the due date. If the patients did not turn up, they would be called thrice through their registered mobile number.
“We have launched the DROP App to prevent diabetic patients from reaching the stage where they would need the injection or laser surgery. The ultimate goal is that once a patient is registered, it is the responsibility of the State to ensure that person does not go blind unless he/she doesnot cooperate for retina check up,” Jena added.

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