Which of the following programs started in 1976?

Appeared in: MP CHO -2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) was launched in the year 1976 as a 100% centrally sponsored programme.
The initial goal of the program was to reduce the prevalence of blindness from 1.4% to 0.3%.
Key activities under this program include cataract operations, school eye screening, and promoting eye donation.

Option A: The National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) was launched in 1962, not 1976. It was later revised and renamed the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) in 1993.
Option B: The National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) was one of the earliest national health programs, launched in 1953.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a correct option is available. The National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB) was indeed started in 1976.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Launch Years of National Health Programs in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are integral to the success of the NPCB, particularly in community and school settings. They conduct vision screenings using tools like the Snellen chart to identify children with refractive errors.
Nurses provide critical health education on eye care, infection prevention, and the importance of follow-up after procedures like cataract surgery.
In post-operative care for cataract patients, nurses are responsible for administering prescribed antibiotic and steroid eye drops and teaching the patient and family about warning signs of complications (e.g., severe pain, increased redness, sudden vision loss) that require immediate medical attention.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of the history of public health programs in India.
First, identify the key information in the question stem, which is the year '1976'.
Next, review the options provided, which are all major national health programs.
Recall the launch years for each program: National Tuberculosis Control Program (1962), National Malaria Control Program (1953), and National Program for Control of Blindness (1976).
Compare these dates with the year mentioned in the question.
Select the option that matches the year 1976.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) pp. 121-123, 102-104

Practise the full MP CHO -2019 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.