CHITWAN: The majority of patients seeking treatment at the Bharatpur Eye Hospital, Thori, operated by the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh, Chitwan, are Indian nationals.
According to hospital officials, 90 percent of those who received services in the last fiscal year were from across the border.
Ankit Srivastava, the hospital in-charge, said that out of 16,284 patients treated through the outpatient department (OPD) last fiscal year, 14,618 were Indian citizens. Additionally, 839 individuals underwent eye surgery during the same period. The previous fiscal year saw around 15,000 patients receiving treatment.
Most of the patients travel from West Champaran, India—over 100 kilometers from the border—to access affordable and quality eye care in Thori. The hospital charges just Rs 80 for an OPD ticket, making it a convenient option for many, said Tejendra Khadka, acting chairman of the hospital’s board of directors.
Common issues among Indian patients include cataracts and corneal injuries. The number of Indian patients is growing steadily due to the high-quality and low-cost treatment offered at the hospital, particularly for surgical procedures.
In cases where services are not available in Thori, patients often travel to Gorakhpur, India, or are referred to the main Bharatpur Eye Hospital in Nepal.
Khadka also noted that the hospital is able to keep costs low due to support from donors. When needed, specialist doctors from Bharatpur are sent to Thori to assist with treatment.
The Bharatpur Eye Hospital currently operates in 25 locations across various districts, continuing to expand access to eye care in the region.
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