Govt has prioritised eye treatment: Minister Paudel

By Basanta Parajuli,Narayangadh, Sept. 21: Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel has highlighted the need to prioritise eye treatment, stating that the government is ready to collaborate in making the eye treatment system more effective. 

During his inspection of Bharatpur Eye Hospital on Friday, Minister Paudel said that issues with the eyes, the risk of losing vision and protection of the eyes are all related to the treatment methods. He said, “A body without eyes cannot be complete. To ensure the body’s completeness, treatment methods should be prioritised to protect the eyes and to avoid the need for treatment altogether,” he said.

Stating that comparatively Bharatpur Eye Hospital has progressed in an organised manner and thanked Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh for its effective operation of eye treatment services through the initiative of non-governmental organisations. He also expressed that the government would prioritise eye care.

He mentioned that the challenge of manpower management in eye hospitals across the country had been addressed.

“There is currently a shortage of skilled manpower in the country, and it needs to be managed. A lot of work remains to be done in the production of skilled manpower. It is essential for this government to move forward by collaborating with various social organisations rather than working alone,” he added.

During the inspection, Rishiram Paudel, central vice-chairman of Netra Jyoti Sangh, said that Bharatpur Eye Hospital had not received the funds it was entitled to insurance.

Earlier on Friday, while addressing questions from journalists at the Bharatpur airport, Minister Paudel mentioned that efforts were underway to make the insurance scheme more organised. “To enhance health services, we’ve implemented various measures, including adjusting medicine prices and making the insurance system more manageable to ensure accessibility for citizens,” he added.

He stated, “If the Council of Ministers approves the proposal to raise health insurance to Rs.500,000, it will make all general health services more accessible and effective.”

He emphasised that doctors working in government hospitals should not take up roles in private hospitals during their working hours in the government hospital, stating, “Doctors must be available in government hospitals during their working hours.”

He also mentioned that the ministry was working on implementing the guidelines aimed at improving the health sector in hospitals and departments. 

Additionally, Minister Paudel inspected Chitwan Medical College.