Health Minister Nisha Mehta Pledges Effective Implementation of Fundamental Health Rights

Kathmandu. Health and Food Hygiene Minister Nisha Mehta has stated that the government is fully committed to the effective implementation of the fundamental right to health guaranteed by the constitution.

Responding to the queries raised by the members of the National Assembly on the 'Appropriation Bill, 2083' in today's meeting, she informed that the necessary budget has been allocated for the health sector in the upcoming fiscal year. She mentioned that a budget of Rs 96 billion 37 million 73 lakh has been allocated for the ministry and its subordinate bodies.

"Investment in health is not an expense, it is the most important investment in the country's future and human capital building," said Minister Mehta, adding, "It is necessary to invest adequately in the health sector to reduce the financial burden of citizens' treatment costs, increase productivity through healthy citizens, and achieve sustainable development."

She stated that the government is striving to achieve the target of 10 percent set by the 'National Health Financing Strategy' to implement the fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution.

Minister Mehta mentioned that the health budget will be gradually increased in the upcoming fiscal years and moved towards practical implementation. She informed that the construction of basic hospitals in 109 local levels has been completed and 336 are under construction. She stated that the plan is to map and construct hospitals in strategic locations in other local levels.

She said that it is the shared responsibility of the governments at all three tiers to operate health services in the completed basic hospitals.

She stated that budget has been provided in the upcoming year's program to operate the basic health service package in an integrated manner.

She said that the ministry has moved forward with arrangements for direct procurement in collaboration with Nepal Drug Limited in preparation for producing essential medicines to be distributed free of charge to citizens within the country.

Similarly, she informed that a budget of approximately Rs 7 crore 60 lakh has been allocated for the institutional capacity enhancement of Singhdarbar Vaidyakhana.

Highlighting that the government has given high priority to health insurance, she said that more than Rs 23 billion has already been paid.

Minister Mehta stated that coordination is underway with the relevant bodies for the necessary budget management and ensuring sustainable financial sources for the payment of remaining claims.

She said that the maximum use of information and communication technology in health services will be made and service delivery will be facilitated. Minister Mehta informed that the provision for private hospitals to provide 10 percent of their approved bed capacity for free treatment is being effectively implemented.

She informed the house that electronic attendance has been made mandatory in all federal hospitals to ensure the presence of health workers, their conduct towards service, cleanliness, and quality of service in government hospitals.