PM vows to develop government hospital as hub of medical science

Kathmandu, Feb 17: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has expressed confidence that cooperation from all sectors would be forthcoming in fulfilling the government's commitment to developing the government hospital as a medical science hub.     

"Affordable, accessible, quality and effective health services cannot be provided and the research works cannot be made systematic and result-oriented without transforming and developing the hospital as the centre of medical education and training, and the research," he said, adding that for this reason, the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) has developed the government and community hospital in Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Bhairahawa as teaching hospitals.     

The Prime Minister said this while addressing the Third Convocation of NAMS today. On the occasion, he called on NAMS to take ahead research works in the days ahead in order to address the national needs, production of professional human resources and enable effective service delivery.     

He lauded the initiatives of NAMS and the contribution it has made for providing reliable, safe and quality services, for producing the required manpower in the country and for the development and research in medical science, in line with its vision, mission and goals.     

The PM further said, "The public complaint of and issues as the service providing bodies and individuals at government health institutions not providing effective services, not testing and mobilizing the technical equipment in an efficient way, the quality of public health remaining weak, deterioration in the professional ethics, misuse and neglect of government assets in collusion and lack of politeness and seriousness while dealing with patients and service-seekers, that are carried in the media are serious issues for us. There is a need of surgery in the health sector for reforming this sector."     

He said the government expected further reforms in the sector from the NAMS side and expressed the government's full support in the continuation of these initiatives.     

PM Prachanda urged those who graduated with degrees on this occasion to be dedicated to the country and the people with additional commitment. He called on the graduates to utilise the knowledge, skills and experience they have acquired from NAMS to bring positive change and contribute to the service of the people by enhancing the quality of health services.     

Stating that Bir Hospital under the NAMS has been successful in providing specialist services to various parts of the country through its products, he stressed the need for further expanding its services.     

The health institution has produced more than 500 doctors who are currently in the government service, said the hospital.     

Maintaining that the government has made social justice, good governance and prosperity its main agenda, he said he was effortful in driving the present country's most challenging politics and economy on a positive path.     

"I am committed to expediting a journey of prosperity by changing people's situation as per the changed political scenario and completing all development projects of the country in time."     

For this, there is a need for commitment, creative and positive efforts and help of the NAMS leadership, its doctors and employees, all stakeholders and individuals, he said.     

He also stressed the need for reforms and legal, institutional, structural and work arrangements to practically implement the right to health. He referred to the constitution which has guaranteed people's fundamental right to health.     

He on behalf of the incumbent government pledged to make health service free, and accessible for all including discriminated people by formulating acts in the constitution. For this, he said the government had made homework and taken initiatives. (RSS)