The Ministry of Women and Child Development conducted a post-budget webinar today disseminating information about the policy initiatives taken by the Government for enhancing women's participation in the workforce and budgetary allocations announced for Women-led Development.
Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, delivered the inaugural address, underscoring Government's commitment towards women-led development. She emphasized that under Prime Minister's able leadership, our effort is to ensure that women are physically and mentally healthy, their skills increase, income opportunities expand, respect grows, and they become self-reliant. Our continuous effort is to provide quality childcare facilities in a safe environment for children's nutrition, health, and cognitive development, and to support working mothers in building their careers.
For the financial year 2024-25, Rs 3.3 lakh crore have been exclusively allocated by various Ministries/Departments of the Central Government for the welfare and empowerment of women. These allocations will further enhance efforts of the Ministries/Departments towards implementing measures to increase women’s participation in the workplace, ensuring safety and security of women and setting up an ecosystem of working women’s hostels and crèches.
Secretary, Ministry of WCD and representatives from UN Women, World Bank, etc. spoke about the salient features of the Union Budget concerning women. Some of the State Governments shared best practices and innovative approaches adopted for providing hostel and creche facilities to working women.
The webinar was widely attended by stakeholders from all the States/UTs. The event took place at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi, and was also accessible online via https://webcast.gov.in/mwcd.
The Ministry remains committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment throughout the country for women-led development.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development conducted a post-budget webinar today disseminating information about the policy initiatives taken by the Government for enhancing women's participation in the workforce and budgetary allocations announced for Women-led Development.
Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, delivered the inaugural address, underscoring Government's commitment towards women-led development. She emphasized that under Prime Minister's able leadership, our effort is to ensure that women are physically and mentally healthy, their skills increase, income opportunities expand, respect grows, and they become self-reliant. Our continuous effort is to provide quality childcare facilities in a safe environment for children's nutrition, health, and cognitive development, and to support working mothers in building their careers.
For the financial year 2024-25, Rs 3.3 lakh crore have been exclusively allocated by various Ministries/Departments of the Central Government for the welfare and empowerment of women. These allocations will further enhance efforts of the Ministries/Departments towards implementing measures to increase women’s participation in the workplace, ensuring safety and security of women and setting up an ecosystem of working women’s hostels and crèches.
Secretary, Ministry of WCD and representatives from UN Women, World Bank, etc. spoke about the salient features of the Union Budget concerning women. Some of the State Governments shared best practices and innovative approaches adopted for providing hostel and creche facilities to working women.
The webinar was widely attended by stakeholders from all the States/UTs. The event took place at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi, and was also accessible online via https://webcast.gov.in/mwcd.
The Ministry remains committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment throughout the country for women-led development.
The government makes all efforts to ensure affordable and accessible treatment is available for cancer patients amid a rise in cases in India, Health Minister JP Nadda said on Friday. Replying to supplementary questions during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, Nadda said the government made all efforts to ensure that affordable and accessible treatment was available to the patients.
"The number of cancer cases is going up, it is increasing by almost 2.5 per cent every year," Nadda said.
In men, cases of oral and lung cancer are on the up while more women are getting breast cancer, he added.
More than 15.5 lakh cancer cases are being registered every year, Nadda said.
"There is a list of 131 essential cancer medicines, which are in Schedule 1, (that) are monitored and (their) pricing is decided by the government. These are the commonly used medicines," Nadda said.
He said patients cumulatively saved around Rs 294 crore due to this price control.
"There are 28 combinations, which are not in this list but the NPPA (National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority) and the government have controlled their pricing as well," he said.
"We have tried to make cancer drugs affordable," he added.
Responding to another question on healthcare infrastructure, Nadda said the government was apprised of the matter and expansion of medical colleges were happening so that there could be more doctors.
"There should be a balance in quality and quantity of medical education. We are trying to go as fast as we can but, at the same time, (we) do not want to compromise on the quality of medical doctors," he said.
Nadda informed the House that the number of medical colleges had gone up from 387 in 2014 to 731 at present while the number of MBBS seats rose from 51,348 seats to 1,12,112 (1.12 lakh) during the same period.
The number of postgraduate seats for medical students has gone up from 31,185 in 2014 to 72,627 at present, he added.
Union Minister of State for Health, Prataprao Jadhav, informed the Lok Sabha on Friday that no expert committee has been established to extend health benefits under Ayushman Bharat to citizens aged 70 and above. This response came in answer to an inquiry about potential expansions to the Ayushman Bharat scheme and the formation of an expert panel to enhance the scheme's structure for such an expansion.
In his written reply, Jadhav emphasized that Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana covers all eligible family members regardless of age. The scheme provides health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, benefiting 55 crore individuals across 12.34 crore families.
Jadhav also noted that as of July 21, 34 insurers and third-party administrators are operational, with approximately 300 hospitals preparing to submit claims via the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX). The NHCX, developed under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, aims to standardize and expedite health insurance claim processing, thereby improving efficiency in the insurance industry and enhancing the patient experience.
The NHCX facilitates the exchange of health claim information among insurers, third-party auditors, healthcare providers, beneficiaries, and other relevant entities. It ensures interoperability, machine-readability, auditability, and verifiability, making information exchange accurate and trustworthy. Supported by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India and the General Insurance Council, the NHCX is expected to significantly improve efficiency and transparency in the insurance sector, benefiting policyholders and patients alike, Jadhav added.
Mankind Pharma has announced a definitive agreement to acquire a 100% stake in Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV) from private equity firm Advent International for an enterprise value of Rs 13,630 crore.
BSV reported revenues of Rs 1,723 crore in FY24, marking a robust 20% year-on-year growth with adjusted EBITDA margins of 28%. Over the past three years, the company has maintained a 21% revenue compound annual growth rate.
With this acquisition, more than 2,500 BSV employees will join Mankind Pharma. Founded in 1971 by Vinod Daftary, BSV started with a blood bank and later introduced injectable products for expecting mothers. The company expanded by exporting polyclonal sera and establishing a manufacturing plant in Thane. BSV operates FDA and EU-approved facilities in Germany and a subsidiary in the Philippines.
Advent International, which acquired a 74% stake in BSV in February 2020, sought to exit four years later. They fully acquired the remaining 26% stake from the Daftary family in 2023-24, following the Department of Pharmaceuticals' approval. Shweta Jalan, managing partner and head of Advent India, remarked that Mankind’s investment in BSV highlights their strategy of nurturing unique businesses and building them into industry leaders.
Mankind Pharma stated that this acquisition positions the company as a market leader in the Indian women's health and fertility drug market and provides access to high entry-barrier products in critical care. BSV, with over five decades of experience in biopharmaceuticals, has developed recombinant and niche biologic products and has a strong portfolio in women's health, fertility, and critical care.
Rajeev Juneja, vice-chairman and managing director of Mankind Pharma, emphasized the acquisition as a pivotal milestone. “This move establishes us as the market leader in the Indian women’s health and fertility segment, offering massive opportunities and strong growth visibility globally," Juneja said. He added that the acquisition aligns with Mankind's vision to expand into high entry-barrier portfolios.
BSV’s R&D center, housing over 60 scientists, has a strong product pipeline. Mankind highlighted the domestic product portfolio's scalability through niche market filings. BSV's women's health products range from fertility drugs to post-pregnancy therapies, catering to the increasing IVF market. Approximately 20 million couples in India and 60-80 million globally face infertility issues. BSV also addresses conditions like endometriosis, affecting 109 million women worldwide and 25 million in India.
Sheetal Arora, CEO and whole-time director of Mankind Pharma, noted the synergies between BSV's business and Mankind's comprehensive product portfolio, field force, and doctor coverage. “We are confident this will enhance EBITDA margins and solidify our market position,” Arora said.
Sanjiv Navangul, CEO and managing director of BSV, expressed pride in their indigenously developed complex treatments that have improved patient outcomes.
Moelis & Company served as the exclusive financial advisor and AZB & Partners as legal counsel to Mankind Pharma. Advent and BSV were advised by Jefferies LLC, J.P. Morgan, and Khaitan & Co.
“India has and will continue to remain steadfast in its commitment to nurturing adolescents’ talents, supporting their ambitions, and empowering them to build a brighter, inclusive future for all.” This was stated by Shri Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary on the occasion of the launch of the “Economic Case for Investment in the Well-being of Adolescents in India” report, here today. The report builds on the global findings presented in "Adolescents in a Changing World – The Case for Urgent Investment," commissioned by the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH) and released at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva. It highlights significant improvements in adolescent well-being in India over recent decades, showcasing the Government’s extensive policies and programs aimed at promoting the health and well-being of adolescents.
Shri Apurva Chandra said, “India has the largest population of adolescents in the world, 253 million strong, and growing. Our adolescents are the backbone of our future, embodying the promise of a vibrant and progressive nation.” Highlighting India’s unequivocal commitment to adolescents, he said, “We recognize that ensuring their health, education, and empowerment is vital to achieving our national and international development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our government is dedicated to creating an environment where adolescents can thrive, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to society.”
He also highlighted that “India is the first country to launch the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), a dedicated program to reach out to 253 million adolescents – male and female, rural and urban, married and unmarried, in and out-of-school adolescents with special focus on marginalized and under-served groups.” He said that “several strides have been made in advancing the well-being of adolescents in the country. The School Health and Wellness Programme under Ayushman Bharat aims to strengthen health promotion and disease prevention interventions for school children using trained teachers. The Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene is focused on adolescent girls to increase awareness and promote menstrual hygiene practices.” “By fostering partnerships with non-governmental organizations, community leaders, and international agencies, we aim to amplify our efforts and reach every adolescent, regardless of their socio-economic background”, he stated.
Shri Chandra also informed that India is on the cusp of launching the U-WIN platform which is modeled after the Co-WIN platform. He highlighted that the launch of the platform would lead to a transformative impact on not just storing the health records of every child but also in digitizing these records as well as in monitoring, identifying, and rectifying the challenges that arise.
Shri Anandrao V. Patil, Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Education highlighted the increased budgetary allocation in school education for children and the modifications being made in the school curriculum. He emphasized that significant attention is being given to improving skills after the 6th grade in school itself. He also stated that the government is making special efforts towards children with special needs, girl education, and mid-day meals for school children. Shri Patil o noted that most schools have started promoting menstrual hygiene and the Government is reaching out in those areas where schools are yet to undertake such courses. He also informed that the National Adolescent Health Programme is being implemented in Government schools in India.
Shri Rajat Khosla, Executive Director, PMNCH noted that adolescents comprise 1.5 billion people in the world, one-fifth of which resides in India. Commending the Government of India’s initiatives towards this significant group, he pointed out that adolescents face various challenges regarding violence, early pregnancies, etc. He underscored the economic and social imperatives of investing in adolescents and applauded the significant amount of Rs. 2 lakh crore budgetary allocation made by the Indian Government towards adolescent’s well-being in the Union Budget 2024-25. “India is a beacon of hope not only to LMIC but to other countries across the world. India has shown that empowerment of adolescents can be done”, he remarked.
Dr Rodrigo H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India noted that the Government of India is taking various initiatives to reap its demographic dividends. “The country has achieved important triumphs in various health indicators”, he said. He noted that convergence in various government schemes further complements the efforts towards ensuring the well-being of adolescents. He further highlighted that investing in adolescents leads to smart investment in the future of the nation. “Achieving the SDGs would not be possible without investing in adolescents”, he stated.
Prof. Bruce Rasmussen, Director, Victoria Institute of Strategic Economic Studies, Victoria University presented the key findings of the Investment Case for Adolescent Health & Wellbeing. Stating that India’s cohort of adolescents, the largest in the world will probably be the largest that India will ever have, he explained five domains of adolescent well-being including agency and resilience; safety and supportive environment; good health and optimum nutrition; learning, competence, education, skills and employability; and connectedness, positive values and contribution to society and highlighted the significant progress that India achieved in all of them. Outlining his “cost-benefit model” of research methodology, he presented an analysis of how increased intervention by the government on aspects like education, skill development, and reduction of child marriage and road accidents lead to a significant increase in the GDP. He also stressed that although empirical data are only available to calculate estimates of the benefit-cost ratio for seven important intervention programs, many more interventions will also be needed to promote adolescent well-being.
Dr Yatan Pal Singh Balhara, Prof of Psychiatry, AIIMS New Delhi highlighted that a paradigm shift is being witnessed today in India where for the first time in the recent Economic Survey, there is a sharp and extensive attention on promoting mental health as well.
Dr Reena Yadav, Director, Prof. and HOD, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Hardinge Medical College highlighted the need for both education and awareness for adolescents in their upbringing. It is important to respect their right to privacy when being counseled on various sexual and reproductive health issues, she stressed.
Ms. Priya Rathore, a Youth Representative from Rajasthan shared her experience of working with adolescent women facing challenges like child marriage and ground-level policy support. She highlighted the need for increased monitoring and evaluation of government support in rural and economically backward places as well as the importance of creating further awareness among adolescents on issues like menstrual hygiene.
Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Addl. Secretary and MD (NHM), Health Ministry; and senior officials of the Union Health Ministry were present in the meeting.
Background:
The Investment Case for Adolescent Health & Wellbeing report developed by PMNCH underscores the substantial economic benefits of investing in adolescent well-being. It highlights seven key programs in areas such as adolescent health, education, child marriage prevention, and road safety, which are expected to yield impressive returns on investment. For every dollar invested, returns are estimated to range from USD 4.6 to USD 71.4.
The report further demonstrates that future investments, some of which align with existing national programs, have the potential to significantly boost the Indian economy. An investment of USD 33 billion per annum across various sectors by the government, private sector, civil society, communities, and families is projected to yield returns of USD 476 billion per annum, enhancing the GDP by an average of approximately 10.1%. This underscores the crucial role that successive cohorts of adolescents will play in shaping India’s economic and social future.
In alignment with the findings of this report, the newly released Union Budget for 2024-25 includes a comprehensive Rs 2 lakh crore (approximately USD 26.67 billion) package aimed at education, job creation, skill development, and employment-linked incentives, benefiting 4.1 crore (41 million) youth across the nation. This budgetary allocation further reinforces the Government's commitment to investing in the future of India's adolescents and youth, creating an enabling environment and providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities to thrive.
While the report presents empirical data to estimate the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) for seven major intervention programs, it also emphasizes the need for additional interventions to further enhance adolescent well-being. The government of India remains committed to ensuring the health and development of its adolescent population, recognizing them as pivotal to the nation’s progress.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has undertaken several initiatives aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by adolescents. These initiatives encompass a comprehensive approach, focusing on physical health, mental well-being, nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. Key programs such as the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) and School Health and Wellness Programme have been instrumental in providing healthcare services tailored to adolescents' needs, promoting healthy behaviors, and ensuring access to crucial information in schools, facilities, and community.
The Gujarat Health Department has confirmed 23 positive cases of Chandipura virus across the state as of July 24, with 10 deaths directly attributed to the virus.
Nilam Patel, Additional Director (Public Health) of the State Health Department, reported a total of 121 suspected cases based on symptoms, including 6 cases from outside Gujarat—3 from Rajasthan, 2 from Madhya Pradesh, and 1 from Maharashtra. "We have prepared all doctors and field staff, ensuring robust surveillance. So far, 40 deaths have been reported, of which 10 are confirmed Chandipura virus cases," Patel stated.
Efforts to reduce the mortality rate include early diagnosis and hospitalization of patients. The Chief Minister has convened a meeting to address the outbreak, focusing on vector control measures. In more than 4,300 villages, Malathion powder dusting has been conducted in mud houses to kill sandflies, and over 2 lakh houses have been sprayed. Intra-residual spraying has also been carried out in more than 1,000 villages, and surveillance efforts have been strengthened.
Patel highlighted that Gujarat's Biotechnology Research Centre is providing testing facilities. "As of now, 23 cases of Chandipura virus have been confirmed, and 41 patients have been admitted," he added.
Chandipura Virus (CHPV) is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, known to cause sporadic cases and outbreaks in western, central, and southern parts of India, especially during the monsoon season. The virus is transmitted by vectors such as sandflies and ticks. Vector control, hygiene, and awareness are the primary measures against the disease. It predominantly affects children under 15 years of age and can present with a febrile illness that may result in death. While there is no specific treatment for CHPV, symptomatic management and timely referral of suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases to designated facilities can improve outcomes.
Since early June 2024, Gujarat has reported cases of AES in children under 15 years of age. As of July 20, 2024, 78 AES cases have been reported—75 from 21 districts/corporations in Gujarat, 2 from Rajasthan, and 1 from Madhya Pradesh—with 28 resulting in death. Among the 76 samples tested at NIV Pune, 9 have been confirmed positive for Chandipura Virus, all from Gujarat, including 5 associated deaths.
Three individuals effectively cured of HIV have shared their experiences, describing a risky transplant procedure that saved their lives and providing hope in the ongoing battle against the virus. They spoke at the International AIDS Conference in Munich, which brought together experts, researchers, and activists to discuss the latest developments in the fight against HIV.
Only seven people worldwide are considered to have been effectively cured of HIV following a stem cell transplant, a painful and risky procedure reserved for patients with both HIV and aggressive leukemia.
Adam Castillejo, known as the "London patient," recounted the lengthy process to confirm his cure, saying, "There is not a specific time when you say, 'You're cured.' It takes a while, and you have controlled expectations towards that." Castillejo emphasized the importance of time and numerous tests before doctors can confidently stop antiretroviral therapy.
Marc Franke, the "Duesseldorf patient," echoed this sentiment, highlighting the exhaustive testing required before discontinuing treatment. Franke pointed out the high mortality rate and complications associated with the transplant, admitting, "I can't recommend it to anyone." Despite the challenges, he acknowledged that in hindsight, he would have preferred ongoing antiretroviral therapy over the transplant's grueling process.
The conference also highlighted a recent milestone: the number of people effectively cured of HIV reached seven. The latest case, referred to as the "next Berlin patient," received a bone marrow transplant in 2015 and ceased antiretroviral drugs in late 2018. Medical researchers now consider him free of both HIV and cancer.
Sharon Lewin, President of the International AIDS Society, described these cases as "really exciting" but acknowledged their limited applicability. "These are very rare cases, but they inspire new directions in science," Lewin said, noting that the procedure has cured just seven out of 40 million people living with HIV. All but one of the cured patients received stem cells from donors with a rare gene mutation that provides immunity to HIV.
Paul Edmonds, the third patient who spoke at the conference, reiterated the high risks involved in the stem cell transplant but affirmed that their experiences offer hope. "The stem cell transplant is not for everyone because there's so many risks involved," Edmonds said. However, he added, "Our experience gives hope that a cure is possible because we're living proof that it can happen."
According to the World Health Organization, there were 1.3 million new HIV infections last year, and 39 million people are currently living with the virus. Timothy Ray Brown, the original "Berlin patient," was the first person declared cured of HIV in 2008. He passed away from cancer in 2020.
Abbott has issued a warning that certain sensors in its blood sugar monitoring systems may need replacement to avoid inaccurate readings.
The company announced that testing revealed some sensors in the FreeStyle Libre 3 system might incorrectly report high blood sugar levels. Such inaccuracies could lead patients to administer insulin unnecessarily.
The affected devices were distributed in the United States during the first half of May. Abbott estimates that fewer than 1% of U.S. users are impacted. The warning does not apply to customers outside the U.S. or those using other versions of the FreeStyle Libre system.
The FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring system includes a sensor, a reader, and an app, enabling diabetes patients to check their blood sugar levels without finger-prick tests. Abbott's devices received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in 2017.
Abbott has pledged to replace the affected sensors at no charge. Customers are advised to visit Abbott's website to verify if their sensor is among those affected, identified by specific lot numbers provided by the company.
HCG Cancer Centre Jaipur unveiled an indigenous scalp cooling therapy, making it the first in Rajasthan to offer this revolutionary treatment for chemotherapy patients. This advanced therapy is designed to reduce hair loss and promote quicker hair regrowth due to chemotherapy. This technology was officially inaugurated by Dr Sumita Jain (Retd HOD Surgery Department & Principal Dausa medical college) in the presence of Dr Naresh Somani Director Oncology HCG Jaipur, Dr. Bharat Gadhvi, Dr. Bharat Rajpurohit.
Dr Naresh Somani Director Oncology HCG Jaipur, said, “The new scalp cooling technology is cost-effective and crucial for maintaining patients' physical and emotional well-being. This system involves placing a cooling machine on the patient's head during chemotherapy to lower scalp temperature, thereby mitigating the impact of chemotherapy on hair follicles. A specialized cooling cap ensures that the exact temperature is maintained throughout the chemotherapy infusion process. It is a simple and non-invasive method, and it may be recommended for different types of chemotherapy. Its biggest benefits include reduced hair loss, reduced emotional distress, and a confident and positive outlook towards life.”
Dr. Bharat Gadhavi, Regional Director, HCG Group of Hospitals, Gujarat and Rajasthan commented, "We are incredibly proud to introduce the indigenous scalp cooling therapy in Rajasthan at HCG Cancer Centre Jaipur. This innovative technology, a first in Rajasthan, represents a significant advancement for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, offering them the opportunity to retain their hair and preserve a sense of normalcy during their treatment. By integrating cutting-edge technology with compassionate care, HCG Cancer Centre Jaipur is committed to easing the physical and emotional challenges faced by our patients."
Dr. Bharat Rajpurohit, COO, HCG Cancer Centre Jaipur, added, "The launch of this breakthrough technology highlights our dedication to providing comprehensive and patient-centric care. By leveraging the latest advancements, we are thrilled to be at the forefront of bringing such transformative solutions to our patients in Rajasthan, ensuring they receive not only the best medical care but also holistic support that significantly enhances their quality of life."
The effectiveness of the scalp cooling therapy can vary depending on factors such as cancer type and stage, chemotherapy dosage, patient hair type, and overall health. The introduction of this pioneering therapy not only enhances the patient experience but also signifies a major leap forward in cancer treatment, further establishing HCG Cancer Centre Jaipur as a leader in innovative cancer care.
Aster Volunteers the global CSR arm of Aster DM Healthcare with the support of Asterians United along with Aster DM Healthcare Hospitals in Kerala (Aster Medcity Kochi & Aster MIMS - Calicut, Kannur, Kottakkal) and OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation launched “Clear Sight”, a free pediatric vision screening project for the school children in the Ernakulam and Kozhikode regions of Kerala.
Asterians United is Aster DM Healthcare's employee engagement initiative spanning across multiple regions, emphasizing three core pillars: Sports, Arts, and Volunteerism. This program encapsulates the spirit of resilience and hope that characterizes every member of the Aster family. The capital expenditure of both the “Clear Sight” project vehicles was co-funded by Asterians United, ensuring the sustainability and longevity of this initiative.
The key objective of the project is to provide school children the chance to enhance their quality of life by improving their eyesight. The approach involves establishing testing protocols and extends to the provision of pre-fabricated spectacles as soon as the children receive a diagnosis, ensuring timely and effective intervention to combat the growing myopia concern. The two regions in Kerala, serve as the beginning of the noble journey of making clear sight accessible to many more children across Kerala and the country in the near future.
Aster Volunteers Mobile Medical Services (AVMMS) is a one-of-a-kind CSR initiative by Aster DM Healthcare aimed at bridging the gap in healthcare accessibility by providing free medical camps and disaster aid support to needy communities in remote areas. Since its inception, AVMMS has treated over 1.4 million individuals across India, the Middle East, and Africa, positively impacting lives in regions with limited or no access to medical facilities. The initiative has a global network of over 40 units, with plans of further extension. The “Clear Sight” project marks a significant milestone in this journey, reaffirming Aster's dedication to global health and well-being.
“Aster Volunteers is dedicated towards making quality healthcare accessible to anyone, anywhere. The “Clear Sight” project is one such instance and serves as a stepping stone in our commitment towards aiding the school children. Through our “Clear Sight” project we aim to make the basic right to clear sight possible for the future leaders of our country” says Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare.
Following the flag-off of the two “Clear Sight” vehicles, Shri. V. Sivankutty, Hon. Minister of Education, Kerala, said “With the onset of hybrid educational modes, the exposure to digital study materials and social media has increased multifold in recent years. As a result, undiagnosed vision problems become a common yet serious problem among school children. The “Clear Sight” project by Aster Volunteers and OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation would play a significant role in improving the overall impact of poor vision on the education and everyday activities of school children.”
"By ensuring clear vision for children in two regions of Kerala, we're making a direct impact on children's educational journey, personal growth, and promising future. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Aster Group and Government of Kerala ensuring that people across the regions have access to quality eye care. Together, we're not only correcting vision but also shaping a brighter and more equitable tomorrow for all," said K V Mahesh , Head of OneSight Essilor Luxottica Foundation.