On the eve of World Sight Day, officials say 10% more city youths are donating their eyes
On the eve of World Sight Day, officials sayu00a0 10% more city youths are donating their eyesu00a0
It's World Sight Day tomorrow and an increasing number of Pune's youths are coming forward to pledge their eyes. According to Dr Ashok Mahadik, district ophthalmic surgeon and district programme manager of District Blindness Control Society (DBCS), there has been a 10 per cent increase in the number of youths donating eyes in the city this year. Last year, 18 per cent of the total eye donors in the city were youngsters, but the figure has risen to 28 per cent this year.
Agreeing with Mahadik, Dr Bhaidas Wagh, state secretary (health), said, "We receive over 5,000 eyeball donors every year in the entire state. Youth usually constitute about 18 to 20 per cent of the donors, but this year, their contributions have increased by 10 to 12 per cent. I am glad that the educated youngsters are setting a good example for society."
"It is true that young people in large numbers are pledging their eyes," said Pradeep Munot, chief of the Pune Netradan Jagruti Samitee. "But we also ask them to request people who have lost their dear ones to donate eyes of the deceased," he added.
"Eight out of 1,000 people in Maharashtra suffer from blindness. We need more people to come forward and participate in this noble cause," said Mahadik.
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