Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology Gets Rs. 100 Million Grant

The Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO) received a Rs 100 million grant from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MIOs) for intraocular lens(IOLs) production. The TIO produces this lens under the Nepal Eye Programme.

Matrika Prasad Yadav presented a cheque with the above-mentioned amount to Prof Dr. Sanduk Ruit, Executive Director at TIO.

Dr. Ruit has said promised to do his best to increase the production, capacity and efficiency.

Speaking at the event, TIO Chief Administrator, Bhagirrath Baniya said, “The government support will help us increase our lens production capacity. However, we will have to manage budget for procurement of advanced machines and construction of new buildings on our own.”

With a capacity of producing 450,000 lenses each year, the TIO is the only hospital in Nepal that produces lenses. Out of 450,000 lenses, 150,000 are utilized by the citizens of Nepal itself while the remaining are exported to other countries.

Baniya told media TIO has been exporting lens to 35 countries. Adding further, he said, that lenses have a high demand in China, Pakistan and Thailand “We are not being able to supply lens as per the demand, but hope to export more lenses soon,” he said.

The TIO begin production from new labs in 2019. Baniya said, “We produce 500 lenses in one batch. Production of one batch of lenses takes three weeks,”

Background:

The TIO was formally inaugurated in April 2009 and has continued to expand its services since then. With an increased land capacity of 110,000 sq. ft., it is able to treat more patients, train ophthalmic officials at all levels and offer added expertise and in-depth support to community centers and ophthalmic teams in Nepal.