Kathmandu, April 2: Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) and Mahidol University, Thailand, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, today. The MoU aims to advance eye care services in the region and beyond, it is said.
The agreement was formalized in the presence of Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli who is presently on a five-day official visit to Thailand, and his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra, according to the NNJS.
The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions through knowledge exchange, technological advancements, and collaborative programmes focused on eye care, it is said. Prof. Dr. Chet Raj Pant, Chairman of NNJS, and Clinical Professor Artit Ungkanont, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University signed the document on behalf of their respective sides.
Under this partnership, NNJS and Mahidol University will jointly implement eye care programs, including screenings and medical interventions, in Nepal, Thailand, and other regions. According to Dr. Sailesh Kumar Mishra, Executive Director of NNJS, this collaboration is a milestone in the fight against preventable blindness in South Asia.
The agreement also encompasses initiatives for training, internship exchanges, and fellowships to enhance the skills of ophthalmologists and eye care professionals.
Established in 1888 by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), Mahidol University is Thailand’s oldest and one of its most prestigious medical institutions. Renowned for excellence in medical research and education, the university continues to make significant global contributions in healthcare advancements.
NNJS, founded in 1978, is a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to providing accessible and affordable eye care services in Nepal. With 28 hospitals, 224 eye care centers, and 45 district branches, NNJS serves over 3 million individuals annually, performing more than 300,000 eye surgeries each year.
This agreement marks a new chapter in Nepal-Thailand collaboration, reinforcing the commitment to delivering high-quality eye care services and reducing preventable blindness across the region, the NNJS said.
