The World Health Day is observed on April 7 every year throughout the world. It marks the anniversary of the coming into being of the Constitution of  the World Health Organisation in 1948. The theme chosen for the observance of the Day this year is 'Foresight Prevents Blindness', which lays emphasis on the importance of preventive measures against blindness.

The problem of curable and incurable blindness has been posing a serious public health, social and economic problem in India. It is estimated that there are 45 million people in the country suffering from visual defects of one type or another. There are about 9 million blind persons including about 5 million who can be cured by proper surgical treatment. It is estimated that 2,50,000  children  have lost their sight mostly due to nutritional deficiencies, injuries and squints.

Seized with this, the Central Council of Health has recommended  the  adoption of a national plan of action for the prevention of blindness in the country. The strategy recommended  by the Council include:

- Wide  dissemination  of  information about eye-care with particular emphasis on pre-school and school going children and other vulnerable  groups.

- Orientation of teachers, social workers and community leaders on problems of eye-health  care including nutrition.

- Augmentation of Ophthalmic  Services in such a way that relief can be given to the community in the shortest possible time and the simultaneous establishment of a permanent infrastructure for the community oriented eye-health care.

- The comprehensive plan of action lays emphasis  on a three-tier  system:  covering rural areas through Primary Health Centres and Mobile Ophthalmic Units, Taluk and District hospitals becoming first Referal Centres and establishment of centres for specialised eye-care.

- The theme of the World Health Day 'Foresight Prevents Blindness' is the manifestation of ophthalmic and spiritual knowledge. It indicates that we stand to lead  individuals  from  darkness to light.

- To teacher and researcher the theme implies acquisition of more knowledge through real effort in search of truth.

- To the student the theme emphasises the removal of inner darkness of thought and  action  by  acquiring  new  knowledge and a step forward  in the common effort in search  of  truth.

- To the ophthalmic surgeon and physician the theme is an exhortation to restore vision wherever it is lost and prevent loss of sight in others to lead those under their care from  darkness to light.

The Posts and Telegraphs Department deems it a privilege to associate itself with the observance of the  World Health Day by  issuing  a  special  postage  stamp.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India