Kathmandu, Nepal Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, addressed emerging health sector challenges at the Patan Institute of Health Sciences’ first convocation ceremony.
Highlighting the predominantly rural nature of Nepal (over 80% of the population resides in rural areas according to the World Bank [2023 data]), the Prime Minister emphasized the need for a focus on:
- Skilled and Socially Responsible Doctors: Dahal underlined the significance of training medical professionals who are capable of catering to the needs of rural communities and are committed to social responsibility.
- Improved Rural Healthcare Access: The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of expanding healthcare access beyond urban areas, stating that a robust public health system is crucial for universal healthcare services for all Nepalese citizens.
Strengthening Public Health Institutions
The Prime Minister emphasized Nepal’s government’s commitment to improving public hospital capacity and urged the Patan Institute of Health Sciences to lead this initiative, focusing on:
- Specialized Services: Improving access to specialized healthcare services nationwide.
- Social Determinants of Health: Addressing the social, cultural, and environmental factors impacting public health within communities.
- Quality Improvement: Ensuring consistently high-quality healthcare services for all citizens.
Collaboration and Innovation
Dahal commended the institute for its recent collaboration with local governments, including:
- Health Insurance Programs: Increasing health insurance coverage is a key move towards achieving universal healthcare.
- Community-Based Services: Providing healthcare services directly to communities, especially those in remote areas.
Integrated Medical Education System
The Prime Minister called for the establishment of an integrated health science institute to streamline the management, operation, and regulation of medical education and health services in Nepal. He emphasized the need to eliminate duplication in these areas.
Nepal as a Medical Education Hub
Dahal revealed the government’s plans to establish Nepal as a “hub” for medical education, aiming to attract international students and boost the healthcare sector’s growth.
Prime Minister Dahal’s speech emphasizes Nepal’s commitment to enhancing its healthcare system, focusing on rural access, quality improvement, and integrated medical education to improve health outcomes for all citizens.
Also Read: https://whatthenepal.com/2024/04/23/trek-dudh-pokhari-nepals-secret/
