Nepal strengthens eye health commitment, targets 65% cataract coverage by 2030
He highlighted a significant decline in the national blindness rate, which dropped from 0.845% in 2022 to 0.285% currently.
KATHMANDU: Minister of Health and Population, Pradeep Poudel, emphasized that the Government of Nepal is moving forward with firm commitment to prioritizing eye health.
Addressing the international conference ‘In Sight Live 2030’ on Wednesday, Minister Poudel reaffirmed the government’s dedication to integrating eye health into the national healthcare system.
According to the Minister, the government is working to strengthen access to eye care by building robust partnerships at the school, workplace, and community levels.
He highlighted a significant decline in the national blindness rate, which dropped from 0.845% in 2022 to 0.285% currently.
Minister Poudel also noted substantial progress in cataract surgery coverage, stating that the government aims to raise the coverage to 65.45% by 2030.
He credited this improvement to expanding access through public-private partnerships and the Social Health Security Program.
Furthermore, Nepal has pledged strong support for the upcoming Global Eye Health Summit scheduled for 2026.
Minister Poudel reiterated the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure universal access to eye care and called for collaborative action from all stakeholders.
