KATHMANDU, January 22: Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Paudel has proposed a collaboration with hospitals operated by security agencies to help alleviate the growing patient load in government hospitals.
According to a press statement issued by Paudel’s secretariat, Minister Paudel suggested during a meeting with officials from the Nepal Police, Nepal Army, and the Ministry of Health on Tuesday that security bodies' hospitals could assist the general public by providing services to patients referred from over-burdened government hospitals. Paudel emphasized that federal hospitals are already adding shifts and working overtime to manage the increasing number of patients.
“We are seeking your support to refer patients to security forces’ hospitals when government hospitals are under pressure,” said Minister Paudel. He also urged the officials to explore ways to make services that are not typically open to the public available at government rates, and to strengthen health insurance programs in hospitals run by security bodies.
There will be no load-shedding now: NEA
Minister Paudel recently formed a task force led by Additional Health Secretary Dr Tanka Bahadur Barakoti to create a framework for cooperation with security agencies' hospitals and to manage patient load more effectively.
In addition, Minister Paudel praised the Nepal Army's emergency maternal services, which he said had saved many lives. He also appealed to the army for assistance in air ambulance services, as the country currently lacks such facilities for emergency rescues.
“We are open to collaborating on air ambulance services, which can help save lives in emergency situations,” Paudel said, highlighting the importance of timely medical evacuations.
Minister Paudel also lauded the army’s efforts in providing treatment for snakebite victims in the Terai region. He expressed willingness to work closely with the army's experts to improve treatment and coordination, particularly in areas with limited healthcare resources.
“Your expertise in treating snakebite victims is invaluable,” he said. “We are ready to work together to ensure better healthcare access in areas with staff shortages.”
The meeting was attended by Inspector General of Police Basanta Kunwar, senior military officials, and other key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health. The collaboration aims to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and improve patient care across the country.
