KATHMANDU, July 3: The government says it has made progress toward building a more accessible and responsive healthcare system during its first 100 days, with reforms focused on affordable treatment, digital services and improved governance.
Under its 100-point governance reform agenda, the Ministry of Health and Food Safety has introduced measures to improve accountability and streamline service delivery across the health sector.
A major initiative requires hospitals to reserve 10 percent of beds for poor and financially disadvantaged patients. Since the launch of the Free Health Dashboard, which provides real-time information on free hospital beds, 2,262 patients have benefited. So far, 213 hospitals have joined the system.
An urgent plea to protect healthcare providers
The dashboard also includes information on 32 blood transfusion service centres, while the ministry has approved new operating procedures for targeted free treatment.
The government has also expanded burn care services by allocating Rs 20 million to Kirtipur Hospital and earmarking Rs 200 million for a burn treatment fund in the upcoming fiscal year. Forty-eight health workers from 12 federal hospitals have received specialized burn treatment training.
Health workers have received continuous professional training, including soft skills training for 727 personnel, while the government has coordinated treatment for 2,599 people injured during the Gen Z protests.
To strengthen governance, the ministry has prepared a new public body appointment procedure, drafted a revised employee code of conduct, and begun work on a new Health Service Act.
The ministry has also expanded its Hello Health grievance system through toll-free number 1115. By the end of mid-June, it had received 6,629 complaints, feedback and service requests, all of which have been addressed, according to ministry spokesperson Dr. Samir Kumar Adhikari.
The government said it has carried out more than 1,000 inspections of hospitals, pharmacies and other health facilities, taking action where necessary. It has also cleared nearly Rs 4 billion in outstanding health insurance payments since taking office.
-1200x560-1783083574.webp)
