WHO’s Landmark SPECS Project Launched in Assam

GUWAHATI-  The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya (SSDN) and the Government of Assam, has launched the groundbreaking SPECS (Strengthening Provision of Eye Care Services) project in Guwahati.

This initiative, the first of its kind in South-East Asia, marks a historic milestone in addressing critical eye care challenges for underserved communities. By leveraging SSDN’s revolutionary ‘Integrated People-Centered Eye Care’ system, the project aims to develop a scalable model that can be implemented globally.

Also Read- Gautam Adani indicted in US Bribery Scheme

The SPECS project represents a unique partnership between WHO, the National Health Mission (NHM) under the Government of India, the Government of Assam, and Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya. Focused on delivering critical eye care services to remote and insular communities, the initiative blends global expertise with local innovation to create an impactful and inclusive healthcare framework.

This event showcased the collective commitment to advancing public health, with discussions focused on innovative strategies for ensuring accessible and equitable eye care services.

Also Read- Manipur: Bodies of nine victims handed over to family members in Assam

Dr. Harsha Bhattacharjee, President of SSDN, emphasized that “ This groundbreaking collaboration with the World Health Organization not only highlights the global recognition of Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya’s innovative community eye care model but also reinforces our shared commitment to eradicating avoidable blindness. Together, we aim to set a new global standard in accessible and equitable healthcare, starting here in Assam.”

Dr. Andreas Mueller, Technical Advisor, WHO HQ (Geneva), said  “The partnership between WHO, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya, and the Government of Assam is a historic milestone in public health. By combining global expertise with local innovation, we are creating a healthcare framework that prioritizes inclusivity and sustainability. Restoring sight is not merely a medical achievement but a restoration of dignity, opportunity, and hope. Vision care is a universal right, not a privilege.”

Also Read-  Agar stall at Assam Pavilion draws hordes of visitors to 43rd IITF

The inaugural workshop witnessed the participation of a distinguished cohort of professionals and dignitaries from public health, ophthalmology, and government sectors, including:

• Dr. Harsha Bhattacharjee, President, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya
• Dr. B Mohammed Asheel, National Professional Officer (NPO), WHO India
• Shri K. J. Hilaly, IAS, Secretary to the Government of Assam
• Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, ACS, Director, Social Justice & Empowerment
• Dr. Phani Pathak, Joint Director, Health Services
• Dr. U. Fangshu, Director of Health, Assam
• Dr. Manoj Kr. Choudhary, Executive Director, NHM
• Dr. Sanchita Sharma, NPO, WHO India
• Ms. Payal, DWR, WHO India
• Dr. Tashi Tobgay, Regional Adviser (Disability & Injury Prevention), SEAR WHO
• Dr. Andreas Mueller, Technical Advisor, WHO HQ (Geneva)
• Dr. Shusma Adappa, National Consultant, WHO India
• Dr. Annapurna Kaul, UNICEF
• Dr. Thulasiraj Ravilla, Executive Director, LVPEI, Aravind
• Dr. Praveen Vashisht, AIIMS RP Centre
• Dr. Lakhsmana, IAS, NHM, Assam
• Dr. Kasturi Bhattacharjee, Director, SSDN
• Dr. Manoj Choudhury, Principal Secretary, PGI Chandigarh
• Dr. C. Aparnaa, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare