After the country moved to a federal structure and local governments were formed, access to eye care began to extend from cities to rural settlements. Krishna Kuwar, an 86-year-old woman from Satyawati Rural Municipality–2, endured a very difficult old age after losing her eyesight.
Having never had access to proper treatment in her life, Kuwar underwent cataract surgery at a free camp organized by the rural municipality and regained her vision. She said, “I never even imagined I would be able to see. After surviving, I realize that one can see everything. I prayed to God that I could see before I die.”
Similarly, Ratna Kala Kharel, a 97-year-old from Darlamchaur, Isma Rural Municipality–3, also started seeing after surgery. After having her right eye blind for a long time, she had surgery when her left eye also lost vision.
Eight local governments in Gulmi provide free cataract surgery for their citizens. At the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (Nepal Eye Association) Eye Treatment Center, surgeries are regularly conducted on the 11th and 12th of each month. Doctors from the Lumbini Institute of Ophthalmology and Research carry out patient treatment and surgeries.
So far, Resunga Municipality, Isma Rural Municipality, Gulmidarwar, Chhatrakot, Dhurkot, Satyawati, Rurukshetra, and Chandrakot Rural Municipalities have been covering the Rs. 7,000 of cataract surgeries for citizens, according to Bir Bahadur Karki, Public Information Officer of Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh, Gulmi Eye Treatment Center. According to Karki, Musikot Municipality reimburses patients based on their medical bills. Likewise, Malika, Madane, Ruru, Kaligandaki, and Musikot Municipalities have been assisting the eye treatment centers with manpower management and office coordination.
Padam Prasad Pandey, Secretary of Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh, said that by coordinating with the eye treatment center, all 12 local governments in the district have begun reaching people in remote areas who have suffered eye problems for years. According to him, the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh annually conducts 33,000 eye examinations and over 500 cataract surgeries. Since July 16, 2024, the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh has also been affiliated with health insurance. Bhupal Pokhrel, Chief of Dhurkot Rural Municipality, urged citizens not to suffer at home, as the municipality has signed an agreement with Netra Jyoti to make eye care more accessible. This year, along with Dhurkot and Chhatrakot, Chandrakot Rural Municipality has also signed an agreement with the Netra Jyoti Sangh.