National Assembly Approves Health Science Institute Ordinance

Kathmandu. The National Assembly, under the Federal Parliament, has approved the 'Ordinance to Amend Some Nepal Laws Related to Health Science Institutes, 2083' by a majority.

In the meeting of the Assembly held on Friday, the proposal to reject the ordinance was rejected by a majority, following which the proposal for approval was passed.

In the meeting, MP Mina Singh Rakhal presented the notice 'Let the Ordinance to Amend Some Nepal Laws Related to Health Science Institutes, 2083 be Rejected'. Presenting the proposal, Rakhal accused the government of bringing the ordinance against parliamentary practice and democratic values.

Her argument was that bringing an ordinance when the parliamentary session has already been convened shows disregard for the elected body. She claimed that while expert consultation and parliamentary debate are necessary on sensitive issues like health, the government is rushing to bring an ordinance, shying away from transparency. She also alleged that this ordinance is motivated by the interest of political appointments and changes in officials rather than public interest.

Responding to the questions raised in the discussion, Minister of Health and Food Hygiene Nisha Mehta clarified that the ordinance is necessary to end the policy and administrative diversity in various health science institutes and bring uniformity. Mentioning that there is a significant difference in the number of officials, their tenure, and service facilities in various institutes, she said, 'In some places, the vice-chancellor's salary is one lakh, while in others, it reaches up to five lakhs. The government has taken this step to operate the institutes based on a concrete procedure and standard, ending the past practice of favoritism and lack of transparency.'

The word 'jhole' used by Minister Mehta during her speech was objected to in the House as unparliamentary. After members objected that the word was unparliamentary, the minister clarified her statement, saying she meant individuals affiliated with political parties.

Speaking on the context of health insurance, Minister Mehta informed that the government has significantly increased the budget to make the health insurance program more effective and sustainable. She said, 'While 7.5 billion was allocated in the past, it has been increased to 15 billion this year. Preparations are underway to bring a more organized bill to the House in the next fiscal year by making necessary amendments to the Health Insurance Act.'

After the minister's response, the Speaker of the Assembly put the proposal to reject the ordinance to a decision. After the proposal was rejected by a majority, the proposal to approve the 'Ordinance to Amend Some Nepal Laws Related to Health Science Institutes, 2083' was put to a decision. The proposal was declared approved by a majority of the Assembly.