Global IME Bank partners Tilganga Institute to provide free cataract surgeries across Nepal

KATHMANDU: Global IME Bank has entered into a strategic partnership with Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology to expand access to critical eye care services, including free cataract detection and surgeries for economically disadvantaged and elderly populations across Nepal.

The agreement was formalized on Tuesday at the bank’s corporate office in Kamaladi, in the presence of Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Chairman of Global IME Bank and President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and Dr. Sanduk Ruit, Founder and Executive Director of Tilganga Institute.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by CEO Surendra Raj Regmi on behalf of the bank and CEO Dr. Rita Gurung representing the institute.

Nationwide Free Cataract Treatment Campaign

Under the agreement, Tilganga Institute will conduct free cataract screening and surgical procedures in seven locations across all seven provinces, funded by Global IME Bank. The program specifically targets low-income groups, senior citizens, and marginalized communities, aiming to reduce preventable blindness in Nepal.

In addition, the collaboration includes school-based eye screening programs, where economically week students will receive free vision tests and eyeglasses as needed—an intervention expected to improve educational outcomes alongside health benefits.

Strengthening CSR in Nepal’s Banking Sector

Speaking at the event, Chairman Dhakal emphasized the bank’s long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). He stated that Global IME Bank has consistently allocated a portion of its profits toward community development initiatives.

“We believe that our responsibility extends to the communities where we operate and generate value. Our CSR programs are designed to reach all seven provinces equitably,” Dhakal noted.

He further highlighted that the bank has been implementing programs across education, healthcare, environmental protection, disaster response, and sustainable development goals (SDGs) through its extensive branch network in all 77 districts of Nepal.

Focus on Transparency and Sustainability

Dr. Sanduk Ruit underscored both the opportunities and operational challenges of collaborating with the banking sector but expressed confidence in building a sustainable and impactful partnership with Global IME Bank.

He reiterated Tilganga’s commitment to transparency, efficient management, and high-quality service delivery, which has established the institute as a globally recognized eye care provider.

CEO Regmi added that the collaboration between Nepal’s largest commercial bank and a leading healthcare institution like Tilganga would significantly enhance the bank’s CSR outreach, with plans to further expand such initiatives in the future.

Expanding Reach Through Institutional Strength

Global IME Bank currently operates one of the largest financial networks in Nepal, with over 1,000 service points, including 352 branch offices, 379 ATMs, 147 branchless banking units, and international representative offices. The bank also facilitates remittance inflows from major global labor destinations including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Gulf countries.

The bank has received multiple national and international recognitions, including Bank of the Year 2014, Best Internet Bank 2016, Best Bank Nepal 2024 and 2025, and Euromoney Awards for Excellence (2022, 2024, 2025), reflecting its strong market positioning and governance standards.

Tilganga’s Global Legacy in Eye Care

Established in 1992, Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology operates as a non-profit institution under the Nepal Eye Program. It is internationally known for affordable cataract surgeries, intraocular lens production, ophthalmic research, and community outreach programs. The institute also runs the Nepal Eye Bank, contributing to both national and global eye health services.