Chhattisgarh: Hidma's Puvarti villagers undergo successful cataract surgeries under Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan
Sukma, May 28
Elderly residents of Puvarti village in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, once known for gunfights and landmines and the native village of Maoist leader Hidma, are set to witness a transformation in their lives after undergoing successful cataract surgeries under the Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan.
With the state declaring the region free from Naxalism on March 31, 2026, the administration has intensified efforts to reach remote villages across Bastar, ensuring access to healthcare and other government welfare schemes.
Under the Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan, authorities have prioritised treatment of serious diseases, including cataract, tuberculosis, leprosy, skin diseases, heat stroke, asthma, vitamin A deficiency, anaemia, and malaria, said Sukma Collector Amit Kumar. He added that the objective is to identify cataract patients and ensure surgeries so they can regain their vision.
"We have set a target of conducting 1,500 cataract surgeries in Sukma. In the previous phase, 341 surgeries were successfully conducted, and currently, operations are being carried out three days a week at the district hospital," the Collector said.
He further noted that 40 patients regained their eyesight between April and May. "Eye specialists are available, and the entire team is continuously monitoring the campaign. After surgery, patients are provided food, medicines, and meal kits so that they feel supported and are encouraged to bring others forward for treatment," he said
Despite limited resources, the team is working with full commitment, he added.
Six cataract patients from interior areas, including Puvarti, were brought to the district hospital and successfully operated upon.
Sharing patient feedback, Collector Amit Kumar said beneficiaries were able to clearly see their family members and children after surgery, describing it as a "new life" for them.
According to Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr R.K. Singh, seven patients from remote areas were identified and brought to the district hospital for surgery before being sent back after treatment.
He said the Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan is helping villagers access healthcare and encouraging others to seek treatment.
Beneficiaries from Puvarti and Konta, speaking in their local Gondi dialect, expressed happiness over the treatment. They said their vision had improved significantly, allowing them to see clearly again and move without difficulty. They also expressed gratitude to the government and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for the initiative.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I'm happy for the beneficiaries, let's not forget that these basic healthcare facilities should have been there decades ago. The fact that people in 2026 still couldn't access cataract surgery until now shows how neglected these areas were. Also, 1,500 surgeries target for a whole district? That seems low for a population that likely has many more suffering from preventable blindness. Work in progress, but much more needs to be done.
Finally, good news from Bastar that doesn't involve violence! 😊 The Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan seems well-planned - providing food, medicines, and meal kits is a smart way to build trust. The villagers speaking in Gondi and expressing gratitude shows this is genuine grassroots impact. Hope this model spreads to other Naxal-affected areas too. Development is the best counter-insurgency strategy!
It's wonderful to see healthcare reaching remote communities. As someone who works in public health, I know how challenging it is to bring services to conflict-affected areas. The cataract surgeries are life-changing - vision impairment in elderly can lead to falls, isolation, and dependency. The fact that they're also treating TB, leprosy, and other diseases shows a comprehensive approach. Hope international agencies take note of this model.
Incredible transformation! From being known as Hidma's village to becoming a symbol of development and healing. The Collector's approach is commendable - actually going to interior areas, identifying patients, bringing them to hospital, and following up. This is real governance, not just sitting in AC offices. The patients describing it as "new life" brings tears to my eyes. Chhattisgarh government, please keep this momentum going! 🙌
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