Vice President Yadav Emphasizes Evidence-Based Health Policy at National Summit

Kathmandu. Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav has emphasized that health sector policy formulation and program implementation must be based on scientific research. He made these remarks while inaugurating the '10th National Summit of Health and Population Scientists' organized by the Nepal Health Research Council.

Stating that it is a constitutional obligation to determine health policy based on scientific facts and data, Vice President Yadav clarified that research should not be limited to academic exercises. Recalling that Article 35 of the Constitution of Nepal ensures health as a fundamental right, he stated that the findings of research must be translated into implementation to provide basic health services to citizens in accordance with constitutional provisions.

'Health research provides strategic guidance in pandemic control, disease management, and health promotion,' he said, 'It enhances the practical efficiency of doctors and health workers while creating an environment for collaboration between policymakers and development partners.'

Yadav pointed out that the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the country, the impact of climate change, and the inequality in health services due to geographical diversity are the major challenges at present. Stating that research is indispensable to address these problems, he expressed the view that there should be coordination between traditional treatment methods and modern scientific research.

He expressed his belief that the three-day conference, which began with the slogan 'Health Research Governance for Evidence-Based Decision and Implementation,' will become a strong medium for dialogue between researchers and policymakers. Praising the role played by the Council in regulating health research and developing a good research culture, Vice President Yadav also wished for the success of the conference.