Govt to succeed if education and health sectors are prioritized: Minister Basnet

Kathmandu, Feb 27: Minister for Health and Population, Mohan Bahadur Basnet, argued that the government would be successful if it could pay attention to the education and health sector.     

Addressing a programme at the Ministry of Health and Population on the occasion of Health Service Day-2080 BS today, Minister Basnet asserted that the constitutional rights of every citizen to get basic healthcare services from the State should be guaranteed.     

Opining that no impoverished people be deprived of healthcare services in lack of money, the Minister argued that the needy and impoverished people should be able to avail treatment if they do not have money.     

He shared that the contingent of some 800 employees working under the Ministry of Health and Population were scrapped and they were sent to local levels under the employee adjustment process.     

He claimed that since the treatment services of VVIP were initiated in the Bir Hospital, those in high-ranking posts have ceased flocking abroad for medical treatment.     

The Minister shared that discussions were underway to add 30,000 new vacancies under the Ministry as there was no recruitment since 2054 BS.     

Similarly, Dr Roshan Pokharel, Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Population, called for introducing the Integrated Healthcare Service Act to expand the health sector.     

 He spoke of the need to appraise the provincial government and local level about the Security of the Health Workers and Health Organization Act to ensure security for health workers.     

On the occasion, five healthcare service providers were feted for their outstanding performance. Senior ANM Babita Bista from Darchula Hospital was honoured with the Best Health Service Award carrying a purse of Rs 100,000.     

Similarly, Dirgha Bahadur Nepali working in Kalikot district, Kiran Kumari working in Bara district, Dr Keshar Bahadur Dhakal working in Surkhet district and pharmacy inspector Susma Thapaliya were feted with the Health Service Award and Rs 50,000 cash prize each. (RSS)