Manama (Bahrain): Renowned Nepali ophthalmologist Dr Sanduk Ruit was honored with the Isa Award for Service to Humanity amidst an event organized at the Isa Cultural Center in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, on Tuesday. Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, handed the award to Dr Ruit.

“Dr Ruit deserved the award more than anyone,” King Hamad said. Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, special representative of the king and Chairman of the Board Trustees of Isa Award for Service to Humanity, said that every individual should do humanitarian work like Dr Ruit and previous laureates.

Dr Farhan Nizami, one of the jury members, said: “Awarding Dr Ruit means recognising the work of his institution and motivating others to work for humanity. This award is a monument of hard work and it is proved by our laureate Dr Ruit.”

Expressing his happiness, Dr Ruit said that he will be a great ambassador for this Isa Award. “I accept this prestigious award on behalf of millions of patients, their families, my team and the entire Nepalis whose goodwill and best wishes I bring to this distinguished gathering,” he added.

Earlier at a press briefing, on Feb 20, Minister of Information of Bahrain Ramzan bin Abdullah Al-Nuaimi said: “Nepal is often hailed as a country of kind people and this achievement of Dr Ruit has proved that.” The fifth edition of the award, which carries a purse of $1m, recognizes Dr Ruit’s contributions to human service through eye treatment. The award, established in 2009 by King Hamad, is granted every two years to either individuals or organizations selected through a grueling process by an expert panel of jurists.