Under the Karnataka government's 'Ashakirana' scheme, more than 5 lakh people have received free cataract surgeries. The health department initiated this program in 2022 to provide free treatment, as private costs can reach up to ₹1.5 lakh. So far, 4.45 lakh surgeries were performed in private hospitals and 71,000 in government facilities. Around 393 'Ashakirana Vision Centers' have been established, screening 2.75 crore people and distributing free spectacles to 3.03 lakh beneficiaries. The scheme aims to prevent blindness through early detection and free medical intervention. https://www.prajavani.net/news/karnataka-news/asha-kirana-scheme-provides-free-cataract-surgeries-to-five-lakh-people-4034077 #creator program