Nepal stresses on robust health system

KATHMANDU: Nepal has stressed the need of building a robust health system, saying the role of the international community and aid agencies would be significant for the same.

Addressing the 77th World Health Assembly at Palais des Nations in Geneva on Tuesday, Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Yadav underscored the pivotal role of international instruments on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response and international health regulations to ensure a robust health system.

On the occasion, he highlighted the progress achieved by Nepal in health sectors over the last two decades particularly in life expectancy and maternal & child survival.

While expressing satisfaction over the successful immunization program, the health minister raised concern about inequality in healthcare services.

Minister Yadav conveyed Nepal’s commitment to cooperate with global, regional, and national agencies and actors to transform Nepal’s health system while appreciating the WHO, Director General Tedros and the staff members for the dedicated service to people around the world for last seventy-six years, according to a press release issued by Permanent Mission of Nepal in Geneva. The theme of this year’s Health Assembly is “All for Health, Health for all”.

Minister Yadav is in Geneva, leading a nine-member Nepali delegation comprising Ram Prasad Subedi, Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations and other international Organizations in Geneva, Officials from the Ministry of Health and Population as well as the Permanent Mission of Nepal in Geneva.

The health minister was warmly welcomed by Ambassador Subedi upon arrival at Geneva International Airport.  He is scheduled to attend important events and hold bilateral meetings during his stay in Geneva.