spaul@sightsavers.org
As a first initiative to the human resource development, in the “Kolkata Urban Comprehensive Eye Care Project” the training of 40 participants was conducted from 21st to 23rd June, 2010. Participants included project team and health workers.
On the first day, participants were oriented about the project’s goal, outcome and activities. The second day revolved around eye health specially early identification of diseases causing avoidable blindness such as Cataract and Glaucoma. The third day focused on the concepts of community mobilization, understanding of Kolkata Municipal Corporation Health systems, counseling of the community through participative role plays and discussions.
Health workers during a role play.
The training was facilitated by Sightsavers North East India Office team members namely Sudipto Mohanty (Programme Manager), Praveen Kumar (Senior Programme Officer), Shantha Kumari Gopal (Programme Officer) and myself. Experts from partner organisations like Mr Gopal (Secretary, Sunderban Social Development Centre), Dr Sil (Chief Medical Officer of Vivekananda Mission Ashram), Dr Abhijeet Nandi (State Public Health Advisor of the Panchayat and Rural Development of West Bengal) were invited to impart training on selected topics.
Dr Sil addressing the participants The training proved to be very beneficial for the health workers in a way that beside the learning objective they got a chance to know each other and foster the synergy of partnership and making a difference in the millions of lives living in Kolkata.
We really believe that this cadre of health workers will be the workforce in helping Kolkata to have a better vision!
