Kathmandu, Nov.9: Nepal’s first cornea excision centre was inaugurated at the Pasuhupati Arya Ghat Wednesday.
Nepal Eye Bank, Tilganga Eye Centre and Lions Club of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath, are supporting the centre to extract cornea from the dead before cremation. Previously reluctant Nepalis are donating their eyes in increasing numbers. In 1999, altogether 1094 corneas were extracted in the country making the country self-sufficient. Pashupati Development Trust contributed Rs.150,000 for the construction of the centre. Four workers at the centre extract nearly 40 corneas in one month.
Plans are afoot to open collection centres in Biratnagar, Pokhara, Dhangadi and other major towns.
Nepal’s first communist Prime Minister Man Mohan Adhikari donated his eyes after his death.
Minister for Tourism Tarani Dutta Chatauth inaugurated the centre.