DANG: A newly constructed operation theatre building at Rapti Eye Hospital in Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City–4, Dang, built with financial assistance from the Government of India under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP), was jointly inaugurated on Friday by Ms. Gitanjali Brandon, Counsellor at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, and Mr. Tikaram Khadka, Mayor of Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City.

The double-story facility has been developed as the seventh HICDP implemented in Dang district through Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City. The project is aimed at strengthening eye care services and expanding surgical and treatment capacity for patients in the region.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mayor Khadka, hospital management officials and other stakeholders expressed appreciation for India’s continued development cooperation with Nepal. They said the new infrastructure would significantly improve access to quality eye care services for people in Dang and surrounding districts.
According to the Indian Embassy, nearly 600 HICDP projects have been undertaken across all seven provinces of Nepal since the program began. Of these, 66 projects are located in Lumbini Province, including seven in Dang district.

The Government of India has also provided 169 ambulances and 59 school buses to institutions working in the health and education sectors across Lumbini Province. Dang district has received 19 ambulances and eight school buses, while Rapti Eye Hospital was gifted an ambulance in January 2022.
The embassy stated that the HICDP initiative reflects the continuing multi-sectoral partnership between Nepal and India, with a focus on strengthening local infrastructure and supporting Nepal’s efforts in health, education and community development.