Sambalpur: ‘Sunetra’ Scheme Breaks Down in Sambalpur; Patients Wait Months for Eyeglasses, Forced to Purchase from Outside

Patients Forced to Wait for Months or Buy Glasses Outside

Sambalpur: Despite being promised free eyeglasses under the ‘Sunetra’ scheme, patients visiting the Sambalpur District Headquarters Hospital are still returning empty-handed. Currently, only reading glasses are available. Those who need prescription glasses are being told they may have to wait up to six more months. Even getting reading glasses within a week is proving difficult.

‘Sunetra’ Scheme Fails to Meet Expectations

Although the Sunetra scheme was launched to provide free eyeglasses to patients, in reality, many are being asked to come back later. In some cases, even after several months and multiple hospital visits, patients are not receiving their glasses.

One Example Reflects a Larger Problem

For instance, a man from Rengali visited the hospital in December for an eye check-up. The doctor advised him to wear glasses and directed him to the concerned department for free spectacles under the Sunetra scheme. However, he was asked to return later. He visited the hospital four times over six months, and finally received his glasses only on May 7. Like him, many others are returning without glasses every day.

Long Waits Despite Immediate Needs

The situation is worsening. Sometimes, reading glasses aren’t available on time either. Some patients receive glasses after four months, while others wait six. But by the time they get the glasses, their vision may have changed, making them visit the doctor again and apply afresh.

If the stock glasses match their prescription, they accept them; otherwise, they wait another six months. Thousands need glasses, but the supply doesn’t meet the demand. As a result, many patients are now purchasing glasses from private shops at their own expense.

Backlogs Continue, Applications Keep Increasing

Even though application numbers are rising, the problem remains unsolved. Patients are growing frustrated, as the delay is ongoing since the COVID-19 period. Every month, over 1,000 patients at the hospital require glasses, and officially, glasses are supposed to be provided within two to three days of application. But this is not happening in practice.

Supply Issues Blamed on Tender Delays

The hospital authorities claim the delay is due to the responsibility being assigned to a Bhubaneswar-based agency. Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Dr. Sujatarani Mishra stated that, compared to earlier, glasses are now being delivered faster. However, she clarified that the hospital only conducts eye checkups and issues prescriptions. The actual delay is caused by the agency responsible for supplying glasses through a tender process.

Moreover, the hospital conducts over 1,000 eye check-ups each month, which further adds pressure and causes delays in the supply of glasses.

In short, while the Sunetra scheme was introduced to help patients by providing free eyeglasses, on the ground it’s plagued by delays, stock shortages, and logistical issues. Until these are resolved, patients will continue to suffer and spend out of their pockets.