KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 13

The Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO), in partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation, has officially inaugurated the Nijgadh Tilganga Community Eye Hospital - the first community eye care facility in Madhesh Province, today.

With an investment of USD $2.2 million, the hospital is set to serve up to 55,000 patients annually, offering affordable and accessible eye care to the community, according to the press release.

Prof. Sanduk Ruit, TIO's Founder and Director, expressed: 'The hospital is a dream come true. It is another landmark in our commitment to deliver sustainable high quality eye care at the grassroot level'.

'The hospital is a symbol of hope and dedication, carrying forward our commitment to serving all eye patients in need,' he said.

Ian Wishart, CEO of The Fred Hollows Foundation, noted: 'This marks a new chapter for The Fred Hollows Foundation, having established a solid lasting relationship with TIO and local partners and communities in Nepal. Integrated people-centred eye care approach is at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to protecting and restoring sight to those most in need in and around Nijgadh.'

Currently, more than 1 million people in Nepal live with some form of vision loss. Madhesh Province has the second-highest prevalence of blindness in the country, yet 80 percent of vision loss is avoidable and can be treated through existing, highly cost-effective interventions.

'The hospital will focus on treating cataract, refractive error, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye diseases through advanced treatment options and comprehensive care,' the statement informed.

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness and severe and moderate vision impairment in Nepal. 'Almost 67% of people are blind because of cataract,' it added.

Spanning 23,000 square feet, the four-story hospital includes two operating theatres, laser rooms, outpatient and inpatient departments, recovery wards, an in-house pharmacy, and an optical store. Local experts from TIO will provide specialized care across 10 subspecialties, enhancing access to high-quality treatment in the Madhesh Province, it stated.

Over the next five years, the hospital is expected to receive an estimated 274,000 eye patients from Madhesh Province and to assist 3 million people across Nepal and India.

Wishart said The Foundation was proud to work in partnership with TIO to deliver eye health care in Nepal.

'The hospital reflects our commitment to building long-term, locally-led eye care solutions. With TIO as our implementing partner, we are ensuring transformative and sustainable solutions that addresses key eye health challenges in Nepal, including gender inequity,' Wishart said.

In Nepal, women are two-thirds more likely than men to experience vision loss. The new hospital will make inroads in addressing gender inequity.

As the healthcare sector accounts for an estimated 4-5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the hospital will use renewable energy. Solar panels have been installed and efficient heating and air conditioning systems are in use.

'We know that climate change is leaving a devastating impact on our environment and the health of some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people. Climate change is resulting in increased trachoma infections, cataract cases and other eye conditions,' Wishart said.

'We're incredibly proud that this hospital has adopted clean energy principles,' he said.

Prof Ruit expressed TIO's heartfelt gratitude to The Fred Hollows Foundation, AMCE Foundation, D. Hutchinson, and donors whose support has transformed this vision into reality.

'TIO is honoured to begin this new chapter of service for the community, serving people, and making a lasting difference together with our donors,' Dr Ruit said.

'Together with The Fred Hollows Foundation, whom we share over three decades of experience in avoidable blindness, we proudly launch this community eye hospital to deliver quality eye care to the people of Nepal with excellence and compassion. Our purpose here is clear: to provide essential eye care for those who may not otherwise have access, ensuring that financial limitations do not hinder anyone from receiving the gift of sight.'

The event included an inspection of the facility by local and international delegations, with attendees such as Surath Puri, Mayor of Nijgadh, Suridh Ghimire, founder and Chairperson of the Nepal Eye Program, and Satish Kumar Singh, Chief Minister of Madhesh Province, Dr. Reeta Gurung, Chief Executive Officer at TIO, and other senior officials and health representatives.