KOICA to build 150-bed hospital in Madhyapur

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, July 12: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project “Capacity Building Of Medical Service To Achieve Universal Health Coverage For The Poor In Vulnerable Areas In Bhaktapur, Nepal” at the Ministry of Finance, Singha Durbar, Kathmandu on Tuesday.

 Arjun Prasad Pokhrel, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, and Tae-Young Park, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal, signed the MoU at a ceremony attended by  Kamal Prasad Bhattarai, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA), Mayor Surendra Shrestha of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality and representatives from Nepal Korea Friendship Municipality Hospital (NKFMH). 

 The Korean Government through Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will spend US$ 9.5 million for the five-year project.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea said the project aims to enhance the capacity of medical infrastructure and professionals for quality hospital management, infection control, and improved coverage of public health insurance to attain the goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Bhaktapur.

“This project shall be implemented by KOICA, Madhyapur Thimi Municipality, KOICA and Nepal Korea Friendship Municipality Hospital (NKFMH) in close collaboration and coordination with MoFAGA,” read the statement. 

 According to the MoU, KOICA will construct a 150-bed hospital in the adjoining land of NKFMH, provide necessary medical equipment and develop the capacity of the medical and administrative staff of the hospital. 

During the signing ceremony, Shreekrishna Nepal, Joint Secretary of the International Economic Cooperation Coordination Division of MoF, said that Korea has grown as a very close development partner of Nepal over the years.

Likewise, Kong Mooheon, Country Director of KOICA, expressed that KOICA has implemented various health projects in Nepal and every project has its own unique achievement. He added that phase 2 of NKFMH shall be instrumental in providing quality health care to the general public and poor and vulnerable people of Bhaktapur and nearby districts. services. 

 Likewise, Korean Ambassador to Nepal Tae-Young Park expressed that the new hospital would be useful for the general public and he expected full cooperation from the government side to successfully implement this project. 

 Secretary Pokhrel expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Korea for the partnership and assured full cooperation for the successful implementation of the project.