Nepali medical team provides eye care and cataract surgeries in Thakurgaon
DHAKA, Aug. 2, 2026: Nepal and Bangladesh have taken another step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation in healthcare and people-to-people relations through a large-scale eye care initiative in northern Bangladesh, highlighting the growing importance of medical diplomacy between the two neighbouring countries.
Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka, Mr. Pratik Karki, joined Bangladesh's Adviser for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, H.E. Mr. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, MP, in inaugurating a free Eye Camp jointly organised by Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh and Thakurgaon Diabetic Samity in Thakurgaon on Sunday.
Speaking as the Guest of Honour, Mr. Karki praised the initiative for expanding access to quality eye care while promoting Nepal as a trusted destination for medical tourism. He said such collaborative healthcare programmes further strengthen the longstanding friendship and people-to-people ties between Nepal and Bangladesh.
The week-long humanitarian initiative is offering comprehensive eye examinations, diagnosis, and free cataract surgeries for patients from Thakurgaon and surrounding districts.
A 13-member Nepali medical delegation is participating in the programme, comprising experienced ophthalmologists, senior eye health professionals from Biratnagar Eye Hospital and Lahan Eye Hospital, along with representatives of Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh.
Organisers expect approximately 3,000 Bangladeshi patients to receive eye care services during the camp, making it one of the largest cross-border ophthalmic outreach programmes between the two countries.
The initiative reflects the expanding scope of Nepal-Bangladesh cooperation beyond diplomacy and trade, demonstrating how healthcare partnerships can improve public health while fostering stronger bilateral relations. It also underscores Nepal's growing reputation in specialised eye care and medical tourism, with Bangladeshi patients increasingly seeking affordable, high-quality treatment at renowned Nepali eye hospitals.
The Eye Camp is expected to further deepen collaboration in the health sector and encourage future joint medical outreach programmes benefiting communities in both countries.
