Health Minister Paudel draws State Minister's attention to the problems faced by Nepalis in the Maldives

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu:The agreement to allow Maldivian medical students to study in Nepal has reached its final stage. During a meeting between Nepal’s Minister of Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel, and Maldivian State Minister of Health, Ahmed Gassim, held at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok, both sides exchanged updates regarding the draft proposal received from the Maldives, with Nepal expressing positive progress.

In the meeting, Minister Paudel informed the Maldivian State Minister that the draft is in its final stage and that internal preparations are underway to sign the agreement soon.

He further stated that Nepal is ready to welcome Maldivian students not only for MBBS but also for MD and MS programs. He assured that a separate quota system is being considered to ensure there is no impact on Nepali students, and necessary consultations are ongoing, with conclusions expected soon.

Minister Paudel also highlighted that while the number of Nepalis working in the Maldives is increasing, they are facing challenges in sending money back home. In response, the Maldivian State Minister said they would discuss the issue with the Ministry of Finance to find a solution.

Nepal is preparing to make the necessary policy adjustments to attract medical students from the Maldives. Discussions on this matter were also held three months ago in Indonesia and later in Geneva following Minister Paudel’s earlier talks with the Maldivian Health Minister.

Since then, the Maldivian draft proposal has been reviewed and revised by Nepal’s Ministry of Health, and preparations are underway for finalizing the agreement, according to Minister Paudel’s secretariat.