National Programme for Control of Blindness
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The National Programme for Control of Blindness, a 100 per cent Centrally Sponsored Scheme was revised during Ninth Plan with the objective of reducing avoidable blindness due to cataract and other diseases to 50 per cent by 2002 AD.
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Item Performance Audit of National Programme for Control of Blindness in Assam (1996-2001)(CAG of India, 2002) CAG of IndiaNational Blindness Control Programme (NBCP) a Centrally Sponsored Scheme was launched in Assam in 1978 to prevent and reduce the incidence of blindness amongst visually impaired and other vulnerable groups of population. A review of the programme through test-check of records indicated that funds were diverted for payment of salary and other purposes and had not been utilised for the earmarked programme activities. Low performance of cataract operations, lack of infrastructure in PHCs/CHCs/Hospitals, non-imparting of training, absence of motivation, counselling and spread of information, lack of proper planning and monitoring and poor financial discipline were the other main reasons for which the programme could not achieve any significant reduction of blindness. Following are some main audit findings: 1. Central grant of Rs.1.57 crore out of Rs. 1.59 crore remained unutilised during 1996-97 to 2000-2001 besides non-utilisation of Rs. 86.57 lakh out of the grants of Rs. 1.57 crore released by Government of India during 1992-93 to 1995-96. 2. Funds provided during 1996-2001 by Government of India for development of district hospitals, PHCs, Mobile Ophthalmic Units and construction of eye wards (Rs.16 lakh), operation theatres (Rs. 60 lakh) in the districts, IEC (Rs. 19 lakh); Renovations and Furnishing (Rs. 18 lakh) were not utilised for the purpose. 3. Records showing number of cases where vision was restored/not restored after surgery, screening of patients for refractive errors, provision for spectacles and rehabilitation of incurably blind were not maintained.Item Performance Audit of National Programme for Control of Blindness in Goa(CAG of India, 2002) CAG of IndiaThe National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) was launched by the Government of India in 1976. NPCB is introduced in the State of Goa in 1981 as a 100 percent centrally sponsored scheme. The targets prescribed were not realistic and based on assessment/ survey during 1996-2001. The performance audit also revealed that the unspent grant of Rs.6.16 lakh was not refunded or adjusted from the release of grants. NPCB programme did not cover population of 1.63 lakh out of 11.69 population of Goa State due to shortage of staff. Mobile unit was not functioning during 1996-97 to 2000-2001 depriving door treatment to the needy and poor. NPCB training was not given to the ophthalmic staff during 1996-97 to 2000-01. Further evaluation of the programme was not carried out to ensure effective implementation.Item Performance Audit of National Programme for Control of Blindness in Kerala(CAG of India, 2002) CAG of IndiaMain findings of this performance audit on implementation of National Programme for Control of Blindness in Kerala covering the period 1996-97 to 2000-01 are given below: 1. Results of surveys conducted to identify blind persons were not reliable due to inadequate coverage. As a result, action plan formulated in 8 districts did not serve the intended purpose. 2. Against the target of 400 cataract surgery per 1 lakh population, achievement during 1998-2001 in the State did not go beyond 273 in any year. Possibility of achieving the objective of reducing avoidable blindness to 50 per cent by 2002 is remote. 3. Due to lack of separate operation theatres and separate beds for eye treatment the services of even the available trained ophthalmic surgeons were not utilised. Shortfall in achievement of target for performance of cataract operations in Government sector ranged between 56 and 96 per cent during 1999-2001. 4. Out of 14 eye banks (Government sector: 12, Private sector: 2) approved in the State, 10 (Government sector: 9, Private sector: 1) were not functioning as of May 2001 due to absence of various facilities.