NEW DELHI (India CSR): Practo, India’s leading healthcare technology company, celebrates its 16th year by announcing the completion of 2000 free cataract surgeries since May 2023 through the Practo Foundation Trust. Started in response to the urgent needs of disadvantaged communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation has provided over 15,000 free medical kits and doctor consultations and issued more than 6000 free prescriptions as part of over 700 health camps. Now, it is focused on addressing the prevalent issue of cataracts, introducing its Mission 10k Cataracts initiative.
Addressing Preventable Blindness
Research shows that 82% of adult blindness is preventable, with cataracts, a clouding of the lens in the eye, constituting a major portion of these avoidable cases. Cataracts make up 63% of preventable blindness in India. The cumulative loss of Gross National Income due to this avoidable blindness is INR 11,778.6 billion (Int$ 535 billion), having tripled over the last two decades. Despite the safety and effectiveness of cataract surgery, only 54% of individuals with cataracts undergo the procedure.
Practo Foundation’s Mission
Practo Foundation’s efforts align with this critical need. Last year, during health screenings of over 1300 beneficiaries, cataracts emerged as a prominent concern, constituting over 18% of overall healthcare issues. This significant number of individuals living with preventable blindness motivated the Foundation to address this issue head-on.
Community Impact
Shailendra Singh, MD of Peak XV and supporter of Practo Foundation, said, “Since its inception, Practo’s mission has been to improve healthcare in India. It has been a great privilege for Peak XV to be part of this journey for over a decade, right from the seed stage. I am thrilled to support the Practo Foundation in my personal capacity as an anchor donor. The Foundation’s vision to improve access to healthcare for those who need it the most is truly inspiring.”
To date, the Foundation has provided free cataract surgeries to close to 2000 individuals across Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, at an average cost of INR 2000 per surgery. Among the beneficiaries, 58% were farmers, 20% were daily wage earners, and 19% were unemployed. Additionally, 65% of the beneficiaries were aged 61-80, and 59% were female.
Vision for the Future
Shashank ND, Trustee of Practo Foundation and CEO & Co-founder of Practo, says, “We envision a future where Indians are empowered to lead fulfilling lives, free from preventable illnesses, while maintaining their productivity. Despite facing increased vulnerability with age, middle-aged and older Indians remain the backbone of our communities, shouldering significant responsibilities. Through targeted support and healthcare solutions, we aim to protect their well-being and enhance their productivity. Our vision is to create a world where aging gracefully is achievable for everyone.”
Building Sustainable Communities
Surabhi Patodia, Founder Trustee of Practo Foundation and AVP – Communications & Content, said, “Cataracts are just the start—a key step in our journey towards bigger changes. Each surgery builds trust and paves the way for our larger goal, which is to build self-sustaining communities. Together with our healthcare partners, we want to restore dignity and purpose in the lives of the economically disadvantaged by providing essential healthcare services in their vicinity.”
Bridging Gaps in Government Initiatives
To bridge gaps for scalability, sustainability, and outcomes of various government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, the Foundation collaborates with partners such as LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPIE) and Pushpagiri Vitreo Retina Institute (PVRI). They work towards raising awareness of government welfare schemes (national and state) at the ground level and drive increased utilization.
Holistic Approach to Camps and Screening
Practo Foundation’s approach to screening goes beyond mere accessibility. It organizes healthcare checkup camps, identifies and screens hospital partners, and ensures consistent quality throughout the process. By organizing camps closer to beneficiary residences, Practo Foundation partners with local administrative officials to streamline the process and improve attendance rates.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are implemented at every stage, guaranteeing standardized and efficient processes. Surgical eligibility is carefully assessed, and consent forms are obtained from beneficiaries before each surgery. Post-operative care protocols are rigorously followed to minimize the risk of reinfection, with beneficiaries educated on proper care practices. Regular audits ensure operational integrity, ensuring surgeries are executed seamlessly without any gaps. Each camp operates with the utmost quality and integrity, delivering essential healthcare services to those in need.
(India CSR)
