Minister Paudel preparing to cooperate with India in the health sector
Nepal Health News, Kathmandu: Under the leadership of Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Paudel, preparations have intensified to expand cooperation between Nepal and India in the health sector. In this context, the Government of Nepal has obtained approval from the Council of Ministers to sign a health-related framework agreement with India.
Based on a proposal from the Ministry of Health, this framework will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation between Nepal and India. During his visit to India on October 7, Minister Paudel had agreed to sign the framework in a meeting with Indian Health Minister JP Nadda. In the same meeting, the Indian side also responded positively to Nepal’s proposal to construct a 300-bed facility at the GP Koirala National Respiratory Center in Dulegaunda, Tanahun.
The Ministry of Health is now preparing to formally sign the framework during an upcoming visit by the Indian Health Minister to Nepal. The draft framework includes cooperation in areas such as procurement of medicines, training of health workers, access to affordable treatment, and development of traditional medical systems.
Indian Support in Enhancing Capacity of Health Workers
Under the framework, India will provide training, education, and skill development opportunities to Nepali health workers. The draft also includes provisions for the government-to-government procurement of Indian-manufactured medicines at affordable prices for distribution to the public. Additionally, it makes arrangements for Nepali patients to receive subsidized treatment in India when such services are not available in Nepal.
Understanding on Expansion of Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine
The Council of Ministers has approved a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nepal and India to develop Ayurveda and traditional medicine. Under this MoU, Nepali Ayurvedic practitioners will have opportunities for training and skill development in India. India will also assist Nepal in developing human resources, transferring technology, and offering training in alternative medicine systems.
A new draft has been prepared to replace the previous agreement that expired in 2019. According to Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry, the agreement and related processes will now move forward formally following the Cabinet’s decision.
