NMA submits suggestions for health system reforms to Health Minister

Kathmandu, Oct 31: The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has given suggestions to Minister of Health and Population Dr Sudha Sharma Gautam for improving the health system in the country.

NMA president Dr Anil Bikram Karki along with other officials met with Minister Gautam to extend their best wishes for a successful term and to provide various suggestions related to the health sector.

During the meeting, the NMA delegation provided suggestions to address the problems of the health service system, including the main challenges, by taking doctors, health workers, and the public on board, with the aim of strengthening primary health structures, making the national health insurance programme effective, and clarifying monitoring and accountability among federal, provincial, and local levels.

In a statement it issued after the meeting, the NMA has stated that there is a lack of sufficient doctors, medicine, testing facilities, and professional capacity at the primary healthcare centre, and that there are issues with human resources and their adjustment.

“Immediate implementation of equal pay policies for doctors and health workers of all levels for the same work requires improvements in basic structures such as the network of female health volunteers, the local government, and legal provisions.

Coordination is necessary to ensure clear-cut responsibilities, and the required infrastructure, human resources, allocation of funds, and the quality of services. There should be an initiative for this,” the NMA stated.

—