Himalayan News Service

Dhangadhi, May 24:

Indians comprise over 75 per cent of the patients visiting the Geta Eye Hospital for different eye surgeries, according to statistics provided by the hospital. Established around 25 years ago, the hospital provides best services at a cheaper cost, the Indian patients said. Affiliated to Nepal Netrajyoti Sangh, the hospital is to receive help from INFIL Foundation, an INGO, for its capital development from 2005 to 2009, accounts officer of the hospital, Nani Ram KC, said. Earlier, Norway’s Church Association had been providing support to the hospital. The hospital was established with the joint efforts of the government and the World Health Organisation in 1981. KC said Nepalis are seen in very few numbers in the hospital as they wait for free eye camps run by the hospital. He said, patients as far as from Uttaranchal, Bihar, Delhi and Mumbai visit the hospital for eye treatment. The hospital caters services to over 12,000 patients each year. It also provided treatment to over 6,000 patients in free eye camps during the last five months. At least 2,500 cataract patients were operated during the camps, KC said. Most of the Indians visiting the hospital are cataract patients as the hospital charges only RS 2,500 for the operation while it costs around IRs 10,000 in India.