Health Ministry on High Alert to Ensure Continuous Services During Upcoming Elections

Kathmandu. The Ministry of Health and Population has adopted high vigilance to maintain continuous health services during the House of Representatives elections scheduled for Falgun 21. The ministry has made necessary preparations considering the potential clashes and road blockades that might arise due to intensifying political activities before the election.

Ministry spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki stated that clashes between party cadres during election rallies, gatherings, and door-to-door campaigns are anticipated, and there is a possibility of road blockades by some groups intending to disrupt the election.

He informed that preparations are underway to ensure that health services are not affected by activities such as felling trees to block roads or creating other obstructions in the name of disrupting the election. For this, the ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Home Affairs, provincial, and local levels.

He also mentioned that the Election Commission has been requested to manage the deployment of health workers in a way that does not affect service delivery. According to him, the ministry has directed all hospitals and health institutions to continue regular services uninterruptedly.

Spokesperson Budhathoki informed that health workers have been urged not to take unnecessary leave, to postpone long leaves, and to remain on duty. He stated that serious problems could arise if health workers are unavailable when the injured from clashes reach the hospital.

Keeping potential emergency situations in mind, the ministry has already completed orientation, virtual training for health workers, and the management of necessary medicine and equipment inventory, he informed. Medicines and logistical materials have been stored in strategic locations, and emergency medical teams and Rapid Response Teams will be mobilized if needed, he added.