Eyesight-loss risk higher among children, says Chief Justice

Kathmandu, December 6:

Chief Justice Kedar Prasad Giri said the children were at a high risk of losing eye sight as many were deprived of treatment due to poverty and ignorance.

Addressing a programme ‘Paediatric Ophthalmology Symposium-2008’ organised today, he said the programme would help spread awareness about eye ailments.

Dr Dhirga Singh Bam, acting secretary at the Ministry of Health, said ministry was committed to provide technical as well as financial support for ensuring better services and added the seminar was a good example of public-private partnership in Nepal.

Bishwo Kant Mainali, president of the Nepal Bar Association, said the trade unions affiliated to different political parties should not interfere in the working of the professionals.

Sabina Shrestha, child paediatrician in Nepal Eye Hospital, said, “Up to 60 per cent of total children who go blind fall prey to preventable ailments in developing countries.”

Emphasising on ‘Right to Sight’ and preventive measures, she said around 70 per cent cases of childhood blindness world wide were preventable. Aparajita Manoranjan, in-charge of Orthopaedic Department in Nepal Eye Hospital also spoke on the occasion.