Latest news with #RodericoHOfrin
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
WHO proposes documenting Karnataka's Asha Kirana initiative
BENGALURU: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has proposed to independently document Karnataka's Asha Kirana initiative - an eye care programme launched by the state government- as a global model for integrated and people centred eye health. In a letter addressed to Harsh Gupta, Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, WHO's India representative Dr Roderico H Ofrin said the organisation will carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the programme using its standard tools — Eye Care Situation Analysis Tool (ECSAT) and Eye Care Indicator Menu (ECIM). The aim is to assess the initiative's processes, outcomes, and best practices, and contribute to global knowledge-sharing in eye care. The exercise will be conducted independently by WHO at no cost to the state, the letter said. The UN health body has also requested the state government to nominate a nodal officer to coordinate the documentation process. The Asha Kirana initiative, launched by the state government to deliver 'eye care at your doorstep,' has been appreciated by WHO for aligning with its Integrated People-Centred Eye Care (IPEC) framework. The programme integrates eye care into the primary health system, focuses on early detection and prevention, and ensures services reach vulnerable populations through community-based interventions. WHO praised the state's phased approach to expanding the programme and said the initiative serves as a strong example of how equitable and accessible eye care can be delivered through a public health system.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
WHO to document Karnataka's eye-care model
Bengaluru: World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed interest in formally documenting Karnataka's Ashakirana initiative — an eye care programme designed to deliver services at the doorstep — citing its alignment with global best practices in integrated people-centred eye care (IPEC). In a letter dated June 30 to the principal secretary (health) Harsh Gupta, WHO's India representative Dr Roderico H Ofrin commended the state govt for conceptualising and implementing the programme "in an exemplary manner". "The Asha Kirana initiative embodies IPEC principles by integrating eye care into primary health services and the wider public health system," Dr Ofrin stated. He said WHO proposes to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the model using its established tools — Eye Care Situation Analysis Tool (ECSAT) and Eye Care Indicator Menu (ECIM) — to document the processes, outcomes and lessons from the initiative. The documentation will be carried out independently by WHO at no cost to the state. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru
