Chennai to Conduct Eye Checkup Camp for School Students Amidst Madras Eye Surge
Posted on: 12/Sep/2023 6:21:34 PM
In response to the rising cases of conjunctivitis, commonly known as "Madras eye," the State Health Department has announced plans to conduct an eye screening camp for school students in the city. Health Minister Ma Subramanian made this announcement during an inspection at the Government Ophthalmic Hospital in Egmore.
The eye screening camp is scheduled to run from September 16th to 25th and will specifically target school students. Minister Subramanian explained that it is typical for monsoon-related illnesses, including Madras eye, to increase in the city before the onset of the northeast monsoon.
The Minister revealed that Chennai witnessed a gradual increase in conjunctivitis cases, with 78 reported in July, escalating to 248 in August. In the current month, the hospital has recorded 283 cases, of which only five required hospitalization. The hospital has established a dedicated ward for conjunctivitis patients.
To prevent the transmission of the infection, people are advised to be vigilant for symptoms, consult specialists before using eye drops, and avoid contact with items used by infected individuals.
Minister Subramanian noted that preventive measures have kept the infection under control in the last two years compared to previous years. Adequate medicines have been stocked at government medical colleges and hospitals, primary health care centers, Taluk hospitals, and district headquarters by the Tamil Nadu Medical Service Corporation (TNMSC).
The upcoming eye check-up camp, spanning ten days, aims to benefit approximately 12 lakh students from Classes 1 to 12, including those from government, government-aided, private, and Chennai Corporation schools. Health Minister Ma Subramanian will inaugurate the camp on Saturday at 9 a.m. at a government school in the city.
