Minister Bhattarai for research-based policymaking

Kathmandu, April 10: Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Bidya Devi Bhattarai, has said it is imperative to institutionalize the research-based policymaking so that quality change and development could be realized.     

Inaugurating the 11th summit of the Nepal Health Research Council and the health and population scientists in the federal capital on Thursday, Minister Bhattarai viewed sustainable development could be intensified with the scientific evidence and fact-based decisions.     

"Study and research are the foundation and guide to policymaking," she reiterated, expressing worry over the politics gripping the policy and decision making in Nepal. Nepal is in need of research-based policy and decision in the health and education sector, she pointed out.     

According to her, it is government's responsibility to augment investment in health research to make health sector robust and effective. She appreciated the role of NHRC in preparing evidence-based policymaking in health and capacity building of the researchers.     

On the occasion, Prof Dr Shivaraj Adhikari said development of health sector requires adequate priority to the health research.     

Secretary at Health Ministry, Dr Bikash Devkota said the health workers' management could be made smooth by conducting an organization and management survey.     

The event is attended by over 100 international experts including from Nepal, India, China, Switzerland, Germany, and the US. Issues surrounding health and population would be discussed thoroughly on the occasion.(RSS)