/countries/bhutan/national-strategic-plans-for-eye-health-(2026-2030).jpg?sfvrsn=31247c5a_5 "National Strategic Plans for Eye Health (2026–2030)")
Under the theme "Love Your Eyes—Every Story Counts," the National Medical Services, Ministry of Health, observed World Sight Day 2026 on 8 October 2026. The event was graced by the Hon'ble Minister for Health, Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk, and gathered more than 100 participants, including health professionals, stakeholders, and development partners.
During the event, the Ministry launched the National Strategic Plan for Eye Health 2026-2030, reaffirming Bhutan's commitment to strengthening eye health services and achieving universal health coverage.
In his address, the Hon'ble Minister commended health professionals, stakeholders, and development partners for their invaluable contributions and the significant progress made in the delivery of eye health services. He emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration and urged all sectors, communities, and partners to continue supporting the implementation of the Strategic Plan to achieve its ambitious targets.
In his remarks, Dr. Suman Rijal, Director of WHO SEARO, congratulated the National Medical Services and the Ministry of Health on the launch of the strategy, noting that it:
"Reflects global and regional commitments on effective cataract surgical coverage and refractive error coverage, while also strengthening diabetic retinopathy screening. This demonstrates how Bhutan is turning global and regional commitments into national priorities and concrete action."
The World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting Bhutan's efforts to ensure universal access to quality eye health services for all.