Eye Health to be Included in National Health Insurance: PM Oli

Kathmandu – Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday announced that eye health services will be formally integrated into Nepal’s national health insurance program (NHIP) to bolster universal healthcare and reduce preventable vision loss.

The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the 2030 In Sight Live Nepal international conference, hosted by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and partner health organizations.

Positioning eye health as a national priority, PM Oli emphasized that the inclusion of vision care in public health coverage reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Citing findings from the 2022 Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness, Oli said the government is responding to data-driven needs, particularly to protect vulnerable groups from avoidable vision impairment.

As part of the broader National Health Sector Strategy, Nepal also aims to increase its cataract surgery coverage from the current 35–45 percent to 75 percent by 2030. The Prime Minister also highlighted ongoing initiatives, including school-based eye screenings and the training of nurses in vision care, linking them to improved gender equity and educational access.

Calling for deeper global partnerships, PM Oli stressed that achieving eye health targets requires cross-border cooperation and shared responsibility.