E-sticks for visually-impaired

KOCHI: In a step that is expected to bring relief to thousands of visually-challenged, District Collector Sheik Pareeth announced that a scheme to distribute free electronic sticks (e-sticks) to the blind will be implemented soon.Those who need these sticks should register at the General Hospital. Procedures in this regard will begin soon, he said. Priority will be given to people in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category. Free training will be given to those who avail of the scheme, he said.Meanwhile, plans are on to renovate the artificial leg implantation centre at the General Hospital in Kochi. All those areas in the hospital which require renovation will be looked into, the Collector said.