NHAI launches countrywide Free Eye Check-up Campaign

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched countrywide Free Eye Check-up Campaign and distribution of spectacles for truck drivers, cleaners and helpers.
It was launched by Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari at Panjari Toll Plaza, Nagpur Bypass, Nagpur in Maharashtra.
Eyesight is basic requirement for safe driving. Poor vision increases risk of collisions due to the driver’s inability to recognise and react in time to hazard or behaviour of other road users.

Key Facts

The objective of this initiative is to ensure clearer vision and safe travel for truck drivers who are most frequent users of national highways. Under it, 50 free eye check-up camps will be set up on identified national highways on either side.  The camps will be manned by eye specialist and support staff volunteers.
The cleaners can avail of this facility on condition of producing valid driving license. These camps will distribute free spectacles up to certain power as prescribed by eye specialist. Moreover, other eye defects like cataract will be also identified and medicines will be prescribed. NHAI has roped in Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), governments, social enterprises and private businesses for facilitating provision of these facilities.
It is one of many innovative programmes undertaken by NHAI to ensure safe travel along national highways. This initiative is expected to reduce number of accidents involving trucks and encourage regional staff and NGOs to set up such camps on regular basis.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2017