Nepal's Ministry of Health Unveils Progress Report on Governance Reforms

Kathmandu. The government is actively engaged in improving healthcare services. The Ministry of Health and Population has released a progress report on tasks related to the health sector, as part of the 100-point governance reform agenda decided by the Council of Ministers. The Ministry made the progress report public on Monday.

10 percent free beds and 'Free Health Portal': The Ministry stated that the provision of providing 10 percent of beds free of charge in 109 hospitals for the treatment of the poor, helpless, and unclaimed patients has been implemented. The portal is being updated for real-time monitoring of this initiative.

High-Level Reform Committee: To effectively implement the governance reform agenda, a 6-member committee has been formed under the coordination of Additional Health Secretary Prof. Dr. Shrikrishna Shrestha, and work has commenced.

Digital Health and Referral System: An integrated digital information system is being developed to organize patient treatment history (Patient Record System). To curb the trend of unnecessary referrals, hospitals have started preparing and implementing their own 'Refer Protocol' in accordance with the 'Patient Referral Guidelines 2082'.

Hospital Service Improvement: With the implementation of the 'Hospital Service Improvement Procedure 2082', 17 hospitals have submitted their service improvement progress reports so far. Focal persons have been appointed in 9 hospitals for sanitation, attendance, and grievance handling.

Burn Treatment Services: Preparations for operating burn treatment services have been completed in a total of 22 hospitals, including 8 federal and 14 provincial hospitals.

Air Ambulance Service: To streamline air ambulance services for pregnant women, new mothers in remote areas, and other emergency patients, a list of 13 airline operators has been prepared, and the process of amending the procedure is underway.

Medicines and Affordable Pharmacies: A 'Strengthening Action Plan' has been implemented through the Department of Drug Administration. The process of providing affordable and quality medicines under generic names through 'Affordable Pharmacies' in government hospitals has begun.