UN Resident Coordinator Discusses Health Sector Cooperation with Minister Basnet

Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Nepal, engaged in a cordial meeting today with Mohan Bahadur Basnet, the Minister for Health and Population.

Central to their discussion was the seamless collaboration between the Nepalese government and UN entities within the health sector. Minister Basnet highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding citizens’ access to healthcare, emphasizing that the policy encompasses free treatment for those unable to afford it.

Commending the UN’s steadfast support in times of crisis, such as the 2015 earthquake, natural disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister Basnet expressed optimism about heightened collaboration. He envisioned an alignment between UN assistance and the government’s ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing the health service framework.

UN Resident Coordinator Singer-Hamdy reassured that Nepal’s specific needs for UN collaboration would soon be evaluated through extensive discussions and consultations. Tailored programs would subsequently be devised to address these needs. She emphasized the importance of clarifying cooperation modalities with both provincial and federal governments.

Singer-Hamdy recommended that Nepal first identify areas for health sector improvements, a process that would guide the design of plans by donor agencies based on the assessment’s outcomes.

In response, Minister Basnet revealed his upcoming trip to India, during which he plans to engage with relevant stakeholders. Upon his return, he intends to initiate discussions to establish a clear cooperation framework with UN entities.