British Minister of State Mitchell Visits Lumbini Hospital

A significant diplomatic visit unfolded at the Lumbini Provincial Hospital in Butwal as British Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Andrew Mitchell, paid a visit on Monday. Mitchell’s presence underscored the importance of international cooperation in bolstering healthcare initiatives, particularly in maternal and child health and nutrition.

During his visit, Mitchell expressed his admiration for the commendable healthcare services provided by the hospital, affirming the British government’s readiness to enhance financial support in these critical areas. The commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and services aligns with broader efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes worldwide.

The discussions held during the visit were attended by prominent figures including Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary, Health Secretary Raju Khanal, and Mayor of Butwal, Khelraj Pandey, among others. Chief Minister Chaudhary took the opportunity to provide insights into the current status of the healthcare sector in Lumbini province, highlighting both achievements and areas requiring further attention.

Dr. Sudarshan Thapa, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, offered detailed insights into the services and overall condition of the medical facility, providing a comprehensive overview for the visiting delegation.

As part of the visit, Mitchell and his team toured various departments within the hospital, including the Obstetrics and Child Maternity Center (OCMC), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), and Children’s Nutrition Rehabilitation Center. The firsthand observations provided valuable context for discussions surrounding potential areas of collaboration and support.

The visit of British Minister Andrew Mitchell to Lumbini Hospital signifies the importance of international partnerships in advancing healthcare agendas and underscores the commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for communities in Nepal and beyond.