KATHMANDU, June 8: Newly-appointed Minister for Health and Population, Sher Bahadur Tamang has expressed commitment to bring comprehensive reforms in the health sector in Nepal.

Speaking at a virtual press conference on Monday, Minister Tamang said that controlling the spread of the coronavirus in Nepal would be his first priority and the health insurance program would be made scientific and dynamic to provide easy access to health care to every citizen. Minister Tamang said he is committed to widening the scope of testing for COVID control and providing adequate health supplies.

Minister Tamang said that physical infrastructures and human resources are being readied in all provinces in view of the experts’ warning that children could be affected more by the coronavirus in the third wave. He said that he would promote every program of the ministry in a transparent manner and make his property details public on the ministry's website. "We have instructed all the hospitals to keep enough beds and ICUs ready for children," said Minister Tamang.

Minister Tamang said that the controversial issue relating to the appointment of the new director at Bir Hospital would be resolved as per the provisions introduced in the new health ordinance. A controversy started after Dr Jageshwar Gautam was appointed the administrative chief at the hospital which is also a Unified COVID Hospital according to the new ordinance a week ago. 

Prior to this, Dr Shanta Sapkota was working as the acting director of the hospital. Dr Gautam has been entrusted with the responsibility to oversee the entire system of the hospital.

 
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