KATHMANDU: Lawmakers drew the government’s attention to issues including healthcare services, disaster management, squatters’ rehabilitation, road safety, and social inclusion during the emergency hour of Wednesday’s House of Representatives meeting.
Lawmaker Gyanu Paudel stressed the need for effective implementation of citizens’ constitutional right to healthcare services.
She said access to quality healthcare services has still not been ensured across the country and pointed to shortages of essential medical supplies at the 93-year-old Bhim Hospital in Rupandehi.
“There is a shortage of anti-rabies vaccines, medicines required for snakebite treatment, and other life-saving drugs at the hospital,” Paudel said, urging the government to address the issue immediately.
Similarly, lawmaker Khadak Bahadur Budha called for timely management of genuine squatters and communities affected by natural disasters.
He also demanded immediate restoration of roads, drinking water systems, and other infrastructure damaged by disasters.
Lawmaker Arjun Kumar Karki urged the government to take the potential threat of Ebola virus infection seriously.
Referring to concerns raised by the World Health Organization, Karki said Nepal could also face risks due to Nepali citizens working in African countries and called for precautionary measures.
Lawmaker Sajida Khatun Siddiki expressed concern over the rising number of road accidents in the country and urged the government to strengthen road safety measures and infrastructure improvements.
Similarly, lawmaker Madan Krishna Shrestha stressed the need for special state arrangements for the protection and care of persons with severe disabilities.
Lawmaker Samina Miya requested the government to postpone examinations scheduled during the Bakra Eid festival and make alternative arrangements in consideration of cultural and religious sensitivity.
Likewise, lawmaker Yashodha Kumari Baral urged the government to provide immediate relief to people affected by severe flooding in Chankheli Rural Municipality-5 of Humla district.
Lawmaker Ramesh Sapkota also raised concern over heavy flood damage in Humla, stating that relief materials had not reached affected areas due to lack of road access.
He urged the government to allocate an immediate budget for effective rescue and relief operations and emphasized the need for a long-term disaster management mechanism.
During the emergency hour, lawmakers mainly focused on strengthening healthcare services, improving disaster response, ensuring social protection, and safeguarding citizens’ basic rights.
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