Health Ministry Secretary Emphasizes Evidence-Based Policy for Robust Health System

Kathmandu. Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr. Bikash Devkota, has stated that evidence-based policy formulation and effective governance are essential to strengthen the country's health system. Addressing the 'National Summit of Health and Population Scientists' organized by the Nepal Health Research Council, Secretary Devkota emphasized that health research is no longer just a matter of choice but a necessity.

Expressing solidarity with this year's summit theme, 'Health Research Governance for Evidence-Based Decision Making and Implementation in Nepal,' he stressed the need to integrate five key pillars: research, governance, evidence, decision-making, and implementation.

He clarified that a system of making decisions based on reliable data and evidence, rather than assumptions, is the backbone of effective health policy. He argued that the importance of evidence-based policy formulation has grown significantly to address complex challenges such as global infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, the impacts of climate change, and inequalities in healthcare services.

Considering governance as the foundation for a high-performing health system, he stated that it must be characterized by transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. He emphasized the need to make health service delivery efficient, responsive, equitable, and timely.

Secretary Devkota noted the need to accelerate the process of translating research findings into practice to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.