Financial constraints limiting health care services: PM Oli

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Sept 26: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the lack of financial resources has made it difficult for developing countries to provide health care to their people.

“Developing countries particularly least developed countries like Nepal are struggling to provide health care service to their people in the lack of financial as well as human resources, technologies, and know how,” said the PM addressing a programme at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

Addressing these challenges requires coordinated global efforts, substantial investment, and innovative solutions.

Referring to Mount Sinai hospital’s role in Nepal, PM Oli said, “I see your partnership with Kathmandu University and Dhulikhel Hospital as a stepping stone of our wider and deeper cooperation for better health system through training, research, and investigation.”

Full  text of the PM's speech:

Keynote Address by Right Hon’ble Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli

Prime Minister of Nepal

At

Mount Sinai Hospital

Davis Auditorium, Hess Center for Science and Medicine,

1470 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10027

Dr. Brendan Carr, Chief Executive Officer of Mount Sinai Health System,

Dr. Dennis Charney, Dean of Icahn School of Medicine,

Dr. Rachel Vreeman, Director, Arnhold Institute for Global Health,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am honored to visit this renowned institute, celebrated for its excellence in healthcare and research.

Thank you for organizing this event and sharing Mount Sinai Health System's inspiring vision and mission.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Health is fundamental to our well-being and quality of life.

It’s the foundation that allows us to pursue our goals, unlock our full potential, enjoy our happiness, and contribute to our communities.

Today’s world is grappling with several significant health challenges despite substantial improvement in science and technology.

Non-communicable diseases are on the rise.

Pandemics, climate change, water and food scarcity have impacted our efforts to improve global health outcomes.  

In addition, significant disparities in health services exist between high-and low-income countries.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Against this backdrop, the role of institutes like Mount Sinai Hospital System has never been more important to deliver on the global health outcomes.  

On this, I am quite happy to note that Mount Sinai, being one of the oldest and largest teaching hospitals, has been at the forefront of advancing healthcare, not only within the United States but across the globe.

It’s truly inspiring to see your dedication, commitment, and relentless efforts to these ends.

We believe the AMPATH model of care, education, research, and investigation complements SDG3 in ensuring healthy lives.

I am pleased to know that in just two years, AMPATH Nepal has made remarkable strides in improving health outcomes in the project areas.

We need to scale up this success nationwide, particularly in youth health, cancer care, and various areas of subspecialty care.

Dear Friends,

Nepal accords high priority to strengthening its healthcare system.

Our Constitution has guaranteed the right to free basic health services to every citizen of Nepal.

We are happy to share that we have made substantial progress in reducing maternal and child mortality, controlling infectious, communicable, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and eliminating trachoma.

We have launched several initiatives to improve health outcomes, making Nepal a pioneer in universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services and rights.

The National Health Insurance Program has been introduced (NHIP) in 2016 as a social health protection program to provide quality healthcare to our citizens without financial hardship.

During my second term as Prime Minister, I decided to establish a primary hospital in every village municipality. I am committed to advancing this vision to ensure basic health services for our people, with priority to poor and disadvantaged groups.

Nepal has developed a vision of ‘Nirogi Nepal – Healthy Nepal’ to promote overall health of Nepali people. Needless to say that healthy Nepali is prerequisite of our national aspiration ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’.

Nevertheless, we have been facing multiple challenges to achieve our vision and goals in improving health outcomes in Nepal.

Due to lack of resources, access to healthcare remains a significant issue, particularly for poor and marginalized communities. 

Dear friends,

We just won a battle against COVID-19 pandemics. However, the impacts are far-reaching and will be felt for years to come.

We are in need of massive support from our partners to put in place more robust healthcare facilities and better prepare to handle health emergencies and future pandemics. 

Here comes the role of the global champions in healthcare facilities like the Mount Sinai Hospital System.

I see your partnership with Kathmandu University and Dhulikhel Hospital as a stepping stone of our wider and deeper cooperation for better health system through training, research, and investigation.

Thank you for your partnership and cooperation.

We are ready to do everything possible to facilitate your presence in Nepal to expand AMPATH Partnership with more health institutions to serve our people.

We request you to bring in more resources, know-how, technology, and innovation in Nepal as healthcare always remains our top priority.

I believe that our strong partnership and collaboration with Mount Sinai, a center of excellence in health care system, will greatly contribute to making our healthcare system resilient and strong enough to serve our people with quality health service.

Let us consolidate and expand our partnership to ensure a healthier future for our people.

Thank you.