India is experiencing some of the highest numbers of diabetes worldwide and the problem is now starting to affect working age population. The knowledge and awareness of the disease has not followed its rapid growth and many people are unaware of their condition or its consequences.The limited awareness and poor access to qualified health care is driving rates of diabetes complications such as retinopathy which can cause blindness if left untreated. Increasingly occurring in the working age population these complications seriously impact productivity and working ability of these individuals negatively affecting their already dire economic situation.The project seeks to prevent and treat diabetes retinopathy by strengthening the health care system, organize screening camps and enhance awareness amongst both the general population and the health care personnel.
The project is being implemented by the Siliguri Greater Lions Eye Hospital in the area of North Bengal. A large part of the population in this area is living in rural areas where accessibility and availability of qualified health care services are limited. The project will have a special focus on rural and underserved communities in order to bring qualified health care for people living in these areas.Strengthening of the Siliguri Greater Lions Eye HospitalCapacity building will be organized at the hospital in order to be able to deliver quality health care services to people with diabetes retinopathy. Firstly, knowledge and skills amongst the professionals will be improved. Secondly, necessary equipment to perform the correct diagnosis and treatment will be procured.
• 485 GPs trained in the detection and diagnosis of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy• 100 ophthalmic paramedics trained in diabetic retinopathy• 672 community health workers sensitised on diabetes and diabetic retinopathy• 121,019 people screened for diabetes and diabetic retinopathy• 2,396 diagnosed with retinopathy