KATHMANDU: The year 2080BS marked significant milestones in Nepal’s health sector, from achieving self-reliance in liver transplantation to crucial agreements for cancer treatment.

Under the leadership of surgeon Dr. Ramesh Singh Bhandari, TU Teaching Hospital successfully performed a liver transplantation, ending the country’s dependency on foreign specialists for such critical surgeries.

Another notable achievement was the agreement between the government, the World Health Organization, and the St. Jude Children Research Institute to provide free cancer treatment medicines for four years.

This agreement is particularly crucial considering the high number of children diagnosed with cancer in Nepal annually.

Additionally, efforts to address cervical cancer saw progress with screenings for women aged 30-49 prioritized, alongside the piloting of vaccination programs.

The release of a long-awaited report on medical education by Minister for Education, Sumana Shrestha, shed light on irregularities within the sector, calling for action against 42 individuals.

While these achievements are commendable, challenges persist. Recent fire incidents have highlighted the urgent need for burn units in major hospitals, as promised by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.

Moreover, despite WHO recommendations, the health sector budget allocation remains below target, hindering the delivery of quality services.

The backlog in constructing basic hospitals, laid out by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, underscores the need for accelerated efforts in infrastructure development.

Furthermore, amendments to health insurance regulations are essential to ensure benefits for the insured population and encourage renewal.

Addressing gaps in immunization coverage, particularly in light of measles outbreaks, remains a priority to achieve public health goals.

Despite challenges, continued engagement and investment are crucial to realizing the full potential of Nepal’s health sector.