Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel, has expressed serious concern over the lack of expected capital expenditure in projects under the ministry. Addressing a meeting of the Ministry-level Development Problem-Solving Committee, Minister Paudel emphasized that effective utilization of capital expenditure is essential to bring about visible and planned improvements.
"So far, capital expenditure has not progressed as expected, which is a serious issue," Minister Paudel stated clearly. "We are committed to bringing about changes that citizens can truly feel, and we are working diligently in that direction."
Minister Paudel highlighted the goal of bringing qualitative improvements in hospitals through enhanced services, adding that not just infrastructure and human resources but also policy reforms are necessary. "Just adding infrastructure without improving hospitals is not enough. We are ready to formulate the necessary policies for such reforms," he clarified.
During the meeting, he urged staff to be proactive in their performance to help increase capital expenditure, saying, "I have worked hard to secure the budget; now we all need to show seriousness in spending it."
Mentioning the lack of resources in the health insurance system, Minister Paudel informed that a policy pathway has opened to mandatorily enroll government employees and the organized sector into health insurance. "If all employees and the organized sector are brought into the system, it will be possible to generate up to NPR 40 billion annually in the insurance fund," he said. "Your active cooperation is essential for its effective implementation."
In conclusion, Minister Paudel stated that the ministry is fully prepared to undertake the necessary reforms to maintain public trust in the health system, and he expects sincere support from all staff
