India continues to assist Nepal's healthcare system, gifts Kidney Dialysis Machines

In a gesture of goodwill, Ambassador of India to Nepal Naveen Srivastava presented the first tranche of 20 Kidney Dialysis Machines (KDMs) to Nepal's Minister for Health and Population Padam Giri on Monday (February 20, 2023). These machines are the first of 200 that the people and government of India will gift to the people and government of Nepal. The machines come with all the necessary equipment, and the remaining consignment will be delivered shortly. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Srivastava emphasized the longstanding development cooperation between India and Nepal, particularly in the health sector. He added that the gifting of these machines demonstrated India's continued support as Nepal enhances its health infrastructure. On the other hand, Minister Padam Giri expressed his gratitude to the Government of India for its continuous developmental support in the health sector, including the Kidney Dialysis Machines, which will boost medical facilities for the people of Nepal. India's helping hand for Nepal's health sector India and Nepal share wide-ranging & multi-sectoral cooperation as close neighbors. The gifting of these KDMs reflects India's continued support in bolstering Nepal's efforts to build a healthy nation. India has been providing significant assistance to Nepal's health sector for many years. This assistance includes various programs, initiatives, and projects aimed at improving the overall health and well-being of the people of Nepal. Major health facilities constructed under the Government of India’s grant assistance include Nepal Bharat Maitri Emergency & Trauma Centre at Kathmandu, BP Koirala Institute of Health Science in Dharan, and the OPD complex for Bir Hospital in Kathmandu. Nearly 50 health-related High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) have been undertaken in various districts of Nepal. Additionally, India is also providing post-Earthquake Reconstruction grant assistance of USD 50 million for the construction of 132 health posts in various earthquake-affected districts of Nepal. In addition to infrastructure support, India has also provided training and capacity building to Nepali health professionals. India has established several medical colleges and training institutes in Nepal to enhance the country's capacity to train healthcare professionals. India has also facilitated the exchange of healthcare professionals between the two countries, allowing Nepali doctors to gain experience in Indian hospitals and vice versa. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Indian government provided vaccines under a bilateral grant (over 2 million doses) and through COVAX. India also supported Nepal in enhancing the physical capacity of health institutions and supplied medical equipment like ICU beds, medical Oxygen plants, essential medicines, RT-PCR test kits, PPE, Ventilators, etc. Furthermore, India and Nepal have collaborated on telemedicine initiatives, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Through telemedicine, patients in remote areas can connect with doctors and specialists in urban areas, improving access to healthcare services for people in remote areas. India also provides ambulances every year to various health institutions in Nepal, and to date, 940 ambulances have been distributed, covering almost all districts of Nepal. The collaboration between India and Nepal in the health sector has been significant and has helped to improve the overall health and well-being of the people of Nepal.