Minister for Health and Population Mohan Bahadur Basnet has said if honest initiatives are forwarded, changes in the health sector are possible within a short time.
During a programme the ministry organized to unveil the 'demographic and health survey, 2022' on Friday, Minister Basnet viewed that the health ministry had witnessed significant changes. As per survey, maternal mortality has declined which is a success, while efforts are underway to decrease child mortality.
According to him, his ministry was doing new things. Huge number of beds at Bir Hospital were ensured free of cost. It was an endeavour to change the oldest health facility into the people's hospital.
Moreover, the government was mulling to increase tax on tobacco products. The tax generated from it would be utilized for the treatment of poor and helpless ones. It is necessary to establish a contingency fund for the treatment of those injured in disasters such as floods and landslides. Once the government presents a good action plan and strategy for achievement, donor agencies could extend assistance to Nepal, he argued.
On the occasion, Chairman of Education, Health and IT Committee under the House of Representatives, Kaluram Rai, viewed the ministry should work actively to deliver quality health service to the people. The Committee was closely observing the activities of the ministry.
Presenting the survey result at the programme, Chief of Policy and Planning Division at the ministry, Dr Krishna Prasad Poudel, said although huge achievement was made in the health sector, some indicators were still stable. So, additional efforts should be continued, he added.
According to him, the result has shown progress on maternal and neonatal healthcare, nutrition, and reproductive and child health.
As per survey, 94 percent pregnant women have maternity service from skilled health workers. Similarly, the under-5 child death rate has declined.
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