Nepal secures remarkable progress in eye health: Minister Paudel

KATHMANDU: Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, has said Nepal has made a leap globally in the area of eye health.

Speaking today at the ‘2030 In Sight Live Nepal’ organised by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) held first time in Nepal, the Minister said Nepali is progressing to the goals of the world eye health service.

“Nepal carries a glorious history in the eye care and its latest services are based on new technologies and innovations,” he said.

Growing urbanization, ageing and the change in lifestyles have been also the reasons for increasing demand for eye health service, he said, adding that blindness is high in the South-Asia region. He also expected that the Conference to come with substantive strategies and plans for making the ophthalmic services more advanced.

He also took time to say the Ministry is working to ensure citizens’ wider access to eye care facilities.

He is of the view of integrating the eye treatment service in the national health system and promoting the partnership among schools, workplace and communities to see further improvements in the relevant sector.

According to IAPB’s official site, it is the overarching alliance for the global eye health sector, with more than 250 organisations in over 100 countries, working together for a world where everyone has universal access to eye care.

The 2024’s IAPB Conference was held in Mexico. According to IAPB’s regional coordinator for South Asia, the event is attended by around 500 representatives from 100 nations.

The event aimed to promote the global cooperation in eye health sector, is expected to a key moment to accelerate commitments, drive policy action, and strengthen collaborations, according to the organisers.

Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, BP Eye Foundation, Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh, and Nepal Eye Hospital are the supporting partners of the two-day conference from Nepal.