SATV 07 March,Kathmandu: Government of Nepal, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, along with the Civil Service Hospital, People's Republic of China International Health Exchange and Cooperation Center, National Health Commission, Lifeline Express Hong Kong Foundation, Chinese Foundation for Lifeline Express, and the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, have successfully organized a program at the Civil Service Hospital in Kathmandu. The event marked the establishment of the Lifeline Express China-Nepal Blindness Prevention Cooperation Center, along with the donation of eye treatment equipment and the signing ceremony.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Vice chairperson of the National Assembly, Bimala Ghimire, vice president of the Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Former Vice Minister of the National Health Commission of China, H.E. Ms. Cui Li, Ambassador of China to Nepal, H.E. Chen Song and Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, Ravilal Panth.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Civil Service Hospital, Bidhan Nidhi Paudel, extended a warm welcome and gratitude to the Chinese team for their generous contribution of equipment. He highlighted that the Chinese government's significant support has played a crucial role in enhancing the facilities at the Civil Service Hospital and expressed hope for continued cooperation in the future.
Cui Li, Former Vice Minister of the National Health Commission of China, emphasized that the support and materials provided to the hospital in Nepal would further strengthen the friendship between Nepal and China. Reflecting on the 27 years of the Lifeline Express service, she recalled its contributions to countries like Sri Lanka and Myanmar, expressing her desire to hear about the benefits this service would bring to Nepalese patients with eye ailments.
Bimala Ghimire, the Chief Guest and Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly, pointed out that although Nepal and China have officially maintained diplomatic relations for 70 years, their cultural, social, and economic ties date back much further. She stated that such cooperation would only solidify the already strong bond between the two nations. Ghimire also highlighted the positive impact of the 2019 visits by then-President Bidya Bhandari to China and her Chinese counterpart's visit to Nepal, reinforcing mutual trust. She also praised the recent agreements during the Prime Minister's visit to China, which have further clarified the partnership between both countries.
The Ambassador of China to Nepal, His Excellency Chen Song, affirmed China's ongoing commitment to supporting Nepal and its people at all levels. He welcomed the Chinese team that brought the equipment and spoke of further cooperation, including training Nepali doctors, helping them familiarize themselves with the equipment, and establishing joint medical camps in both countries. He expressed confidence that the China-Nepal Lifeline Express Blindness Prevention Cooperation Center would play a significant role in eye disease research and treatment.
The Nepalese medical staff at the Civil Service Hospital were visibly thrilled by the arrival of high-quality equipment, which they believe will simplify disease diagnosis and treatment processes. During the event, a donation of 10 million Chinese yuan was announced, and a formal agreement was signed between the Ministry of Federal Affairs, the Civil Service Hospital and the donors. Professor Dr. Bidhan Nidhi Paudel signed on behalf of the Civil Service Hospital, while Tam Yiuchung represented the donors.
This donation and the establishment of the Health Express Blindness Prevention Center have not only strengthened Nepal-China relations but also provided a glimmer of hope to eye patients in Nepal who have previously lacked access to adequate treatment.
