Hope for Better eye care

The Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Sightsaver, an international NGO, to provide eye care to persons with disabilities (PwDs) and ensure socioeconomic development for them in 12 districts of the State.

The MoU was signed by SSEPD Director Kailash Chandra Sahoo and Sightsavers India CEO RN Mohanty in the presence of SSEPD Minister Prafulla Kumar Samal.

The Sightsavers would provide technical support to the SSEPD in facilitating inclusion of PWDs in matters related to private sector employment, skill development and developing sustainable livelihood models for PWDs agencies like Livelihood Mission (OLM), Vocational Rehabilitation Center (VRC), Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS). The MoU would benefit more than 3 lakh youths with disabilities.

The MoU will also make inclusive eye health services available for vulnerable population like the widows, transgender, old-age population, including PWDs in 12 districts, Ganjam, Gajapati, Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, Bargarh, Kandhamal, Anugul, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Deogarh, Khordha and Cuttack

Among others, SSEPD Principal Secretary Niten Chandra was present.