Madras eye: Health Dept to organize eye checkup camp for school students from Sep 16-25
The Minister mentioned that the infection has been under control in the last two years compared to the previous years with preventive measures taken.
Tamil Nadu Health Minister MA Subramanian at an inspection at Government Ophthalmic Hospital in Egmore.
CHENNAI: As Chennai witnesses a surge in conjunctivitis, known as Madras eye in the hospitals, the State Health Department has decided to organize an eye screening camp for the school students from September 16 to 25 in the City, Health Minister Ma Subramanian said on Tuesday during an inspection at Government Ophthalmic Hospital in Egmore.
While addressing the reporters, the Minister stated that before the onset of the northeast monsoon, it is common that monsoon diseases including madras eye increased in the city. Several northern states witnessed a spike in conjunctivitis and the issue was addressed in the country’s capital.
“In Chennai, the number of cases gradually increased, in July 78 people were infected, and within a month the cases reached 248 in August. And this month the hospital reported 283 cases of which only 5 have been admitted for treatment. There is a separate ward at the eye hospital to treat patients with conjunctivitis,” added Subramanian.
People are advised to watch for symptoms and consult specialists before using eye drops. Also, avoid touching the things used by those who are infected with conjunctivitis to prevent transmission.
The Minister mentioned that the infection has been under control in the last two years compared to the previous years with preventive measures taken.
The government medical colleges and hospitals, primary health care centers, Taluk hospitals, and district headquarters are stocked with adequate medicines from Tamil Nadu Medical Service Corporation (TNMSC) in the State.
“Due to surge in Madras eye, at least 12 lakh students of Classes 1 - 12 from Government, Government–aided, private and Chennai Corporation school students would benefit from the eye check-up camp will be conducted for 10 days. The students would be examined through the camp and treated accordingly,” said the Health Minister.
The Minister will inaugurate the eye camp on Saturday at 9 a.m. at a government school in the city.