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Minister for Health and Food Safety Nisha Mehta has affirmed the government's commitment to the effective implementation of constitutional rights related to health. 

During a National Assembly meeting addressing the questions raised by MPs on the topics related to the Health and Food Safety Ministry in the Appropriation Bill, 2083, she highlighted that a substantial budget of over Rs 99 billion has been allocated for the health sector in the upcoming fiscal year. 

Minister Mehta emphasized that investing in health is crucial for the nation's future and for enhancing human capital, as it not only boosts productivity but also alleviates the financial burden of healthcare on citizens. She noted that the government's aim is to meet the 10 percent target set by the 'National Health Finance Strategy' to realize these fundamental rights. 

Furthermore, she indicated plans for a gradual increase in the health budget in subsequent years, alongside the completion of 109 local basic hospitals and the ongoing construction of 336 more facilities.

The primary objective outlined is to strategically map and develop health services at local levels, emphasizing the collective responsibility of all three tiers of the government in managing primary hospitals. 

A budget has been allocated for the upcoming year to facilitate the integrated operation of primary health services. 

In an effort to enhance the production and distribution of essential medicines, the ministry has initiated a direct purchase system in collaboration with Nepal Aushadhi Limited, ensuring these medicines will be provided free of cost. 

Minister Mehta highlighted the government's commitment to health insurance, noting that over Rs 23 billion has been disbursed for this purpose. Coordination with relevant agencies is underway to manage the budget effectively and secure sustainable financial resources for outstanding claims. 

The minister also emphasized the role of information and communication technology in improving health services and service delivery. 

Furthermore, she reported that private hospitals are required to allocate 10 percent of their approved bed capacity for free treatment, a provision that is being actively enforced. To enhance accountability and service quality, electronic attendance has been mandated in all federal hospitals, ensuring the presence of health workers and promoting cleanliness and service standards in government facilities.

Speaker at the House of Representatives (HoR), Dol Prasad Aryal, has issued a ruling to the government to address the concerns raised by MPs during the emergency and zero hours of the HoR sessions. 

In today’s session, he emphasized, "I urge the government to provide updates on the steps taken to mitigate the loss of life and property caused by floods, landslides, and inundation across the country, along with details on disaster management and preparedness."

The Constitutional Council has recommended Man Bahadur Karki (Morang) as the Chief Election Commissioner. 

The Council meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Singha Durbar took this decision on Friday.

Similarly, Rajiv Subba (Kathmandu) has been recommended as the Election Commissioner. 

These posts were lying vacant for some time. 

Similarly, Guru Prasad Wagle (Okhaldhunga) has been recommended for the post of another Election Commissioner which will be vacant after July 7, according to Deputy Speaker and Council Member Rubi Kumari Karna. 

The Constitutional Council is the body to recommend qualified persons for the appointment in the vacant posts at constitutional bodies, including the Election Commission.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment has released Rs 500 million to the Department of Livestock Services to compensate poultry farmers affected by the recent outbreak of bird flu in various districts of the country.

The Department had requested funds from the Ministry to distribute compensation to farmers who have suffered financial losses due to bird flu. 

Department spokesperson Dr Mukul Upadhyay said that the released funds will be used to provide compensation up to 75 percent of the loss to the affected poultry farmers.

About 700,000 birds, 1.1 million eggs and 300,000 kg of feed have been destroyed in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kavrepalanchok, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan and Nawalparasi, where bird flu infections were detected. 

This is reported to have caused a loss worth Rs 700 million.

According to the Bird Flu Disease Control (Fourth Amendment) 2074, there is a provision to provide compensation of up to 75 percent of the damage to the concerned owner after evaluating the culled poultry, poultry products and bird feed.