PM takes initiative to end long queues in hospitals

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 10: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed concerns in addressing the issue of long queues of patients in hospitals. 

During a discussion on health sector challenges, solutions, and immediate improvements on Thursday evening, Prime Minister Oli inquired about strategies to provide treatment services to patients without delays and difficulties.

The Prime Minister emphasised the need for doctors and health workers to be available whenever necessary, regardless of office hours, with the assurance of providing proper facilities.

“The practice of requiring patients to visit clinics outside the government hospitals should end,” Prime Minister Oli stated.

He also expressed concern about the practice of hospitals starting treatment only after admitting patients and refusing to treat those unable to make payments, urging an end to this practice.

He also called for the practical and effective implementation of health insurance.

The discussion was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Paudel, Chief Secretary, and secretaries of relevant ministries. 

This mandate follows a discussion on addressing health sector problems and formulating solutions and programs for the next 100 days.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Oli instructed the Ministry of Health and Population to implement health sector policies and programmes based on the ‘Healthy Nepal’ concept.

This mandate follows a discussion on addressing health sector problems, along with potential solutions and programmes to be implemented over the next 100 days.

In the meeting held at the Prime Minister’s office at Singha Durbar on Thursday evening, Prime Minister Oli highlighted the need to prioritise both preventive and curative approaches in physical and mental health. 

He instructed the Ministry to develop a comprehensive programme focusing on these areas.

Prime Minister Oli also recommended enhancing patient services by providing necessary facilities to health sector personnel. 

He called for more effective emergency services in hospitals and stressed the importance of increasing the responsibility of doctors and health workers.

Addressing concerns about the procurement and hoarding of unnecessary equipment and medicines, the Prime Minister instructed to halt the misuse of state resources. 

He also suggested that unused equipment and medicines could be allocated to the private sector or charitable organisations but should not be allowed to go to waste.