“At Eye-Q, we have time and again pressed for a well-rounded budget that would help the eye care sector address the critical needs of our population. With 62 million visually impaired persons and 8 million blind people, India bears approximately a quarter of the world’s burden of blindness and vision impairment. As a leading eye care hospital chain, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming Budget 2024-25, hoping for transformative policies that tackle these pressing issues. We strongly advocate for large-scale door-to-door eye screening initiatives, which are essential for early detection and treatment. Additionally, the backlog of eye surgeries, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, urgently requires resolution, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare remains limited. We also look forward to an infrastructure boost that will enhance the capacity of eye care facilities nationwide. Furthermore, support for research and development is crucial to advancing innovative treatments and technologies in eye care. Importantly, lowering GST and other import taxes on medical equipment and supplies would significantly reduce costs, making eye care more accessible and affordable. With these measures, we believe the budget can pave the way for a brighter, clearer future for millions of individuals, ensuring that quality eye care is within reach for all.”
