Kathmandu— A five-day free eye camp organized by Biratnagar Eye Hospital under the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) commenced on August 2, 2026, in Thakurgaon, Bangladesh. Within the first two days, the camp provided comprehensive eye examinations to 1,365 patients and successfully performed 136 cataract surgeries.

Humanitarian Initiative Aims High

The humanitarian initiative aims to benefit approximately 3,000 Bangladeshi citizens during the five-day programme. The eye camp was inaugurated by Mr Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Adviser (Minister-level) for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives of Bangladesh. Pratik Karki, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka, attended the inaugural ceremony as the Guest of Honour.

Addressing the opening ceremony, NNJS President Prof. Dr. Chetaraj Pant emphasized the need to simplify visa procedures and introduce a direct air service between Biratnagar and Saidpur to improve Bangladeshi citizens' access to Nepal's internationally recognized eye care services.

Strengthening Health Diplomacy

Speaking on the occasion, Karki highlighted that the high-quality and affordable eye care services offered by Nepali eye hospitals are helping establish Nepal as a trusted destination for medical tourism. He noted that humanitarian initiatives such as this Eye Camp further reinforce the longstanding people-to-people relationship and health diplomacy between the two countries.

The eye camp is providing free comprehensive eye examinations, diagnosis, medicines, and cataract surgeries to patients from Thakurgaon and surrounding districts.

Collaborative Efforts

Mr. Kumar Prithu, Manager of Biratnagar Eye Hospital, said that healthcare collaboration is further strengthening the longstanding relationship between Nepal and Bangladesh. Mr. Padma Narayan Choudhary, Chairperson of the Hospital Management Committee, stated that cooperation between institutions in the two countries has become increasingly effective in the shared mission of reducing avoidable blindness.

The Eye Camp is being conducted in collaboration with Viva Care Limited and Thakurgaon Diabetic Samity. A 13-member Nepali medical delegation is delivering services during the programme.

(With inputs from Rising Nepal)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.