Govt working to provide quality healthcare services: Minister Paudel

BY SIRAJ KHAN,Nepalgunj, May 5: Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel has stated that the government is working tirelessly to provide accessible, simple and high-quality healthcare services to the people of Nepal.

While handing over vaccines received from the Indian Government to Bheri Hospital in Nepalgunj on Sunday, Minister Paudel said that in recent times, the quality of healthcare services in most government hospitals across Nepal has seen significant improvements. However, he emphasised that there was still a need for further development.

Acknowledging occasional negative remarks about government hospitals, he instructed all doctors and healthcare workers to provide services that are beyond criticism.

Minister Paudel said that the government has prioritised hospital infrastructure and human resources. However, due to limited budgets and resources, the government has not been able to implement as many improvements as desired, he said. 

He stated that the government was seriously working to streamline the health insurance system to provide free and quality healthcare to all people. 

In this effort, support from other stakeholders and health-related organisations in the country is crucial, he added.

Minister Paudel pointed out the convenience brought by the newly established sickle cell ward at Bheri Hospital and stressed the importance of generating community awareness to prevent the disease.

Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bikash Devkota, said the Ministry was doing its best to meet the demands and needs of hospitals within its capacity.

Minister Paudel and Secretary Dr. Devkota jointly handed over the vaccines received from India to Hospital Director Dr. Niranjan Subedi and Rajmohan Chaudhary, General Secretary of the Sickle Cell Anaemia Society Nepal.

Additionally, Minister Paudel also inaugurated the new Burn Ward and Surgical Wing at Bheri Hospital.  

He also visited various departments and wards, interacted with patients and reviewed the treatment services. 

According to the Hospital Development Committee, the newly opened 6-bed Burn Ward and 14-bed Surgical Wing, established in the hospital’s new building, will significantly improve treatment for burn victims in the region.