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Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has stressed the need to remain alert with the new challenges emerging in the health sector.

In his address to the first convocation ceremony of the Patan Academy of Health Sciences today, PM Dahal instructed the agencies concerned to pay special attention to resolve the problems seen in the health sector.

"The Academy should develop more infrastructure to overcome and manage any challenges that may arise in the health sector", he said, laying special emphasis on making the hospital services more quality and effective.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister underlined the need to produce skilled and socially responsible doctors for quality health care in rural areas, according to the PM's personal secretariat.

Underscoring the need to expand access to health services to the rural areas, PM Dahal cited COVID-19 pandemic situation to note the general public of Nepal can get universal health care services only if the public health institutions are effective and efficient.

The government has placed high priority on developing the capacity of all public hospitals, the PM said, instructing the Academy to take further initiative to provide specialized health services, including access to health services to all, quality of service as well as identifying social, cultural and environmental factors affecting public health in the community.

PM Dahal also took the opportunity to appreciate the Academy's recent initiatives of launching health insurance and community-based service delivery in collaboration with local governments.

The Prime Minister highlighted the urgency for establishing an integrated institute of health sciences and removal of duplication in medical education and health services for the management, operation and regulation of all medical and health sciences related institutions in the country.

"Attention should be paid to enhancing capacity of all health institutions to provide basic and quality health services to all citizens", he said, informing the government was making necessary ground works towards developing Nepal as a hub of medical education. 

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal held separate meetings with Nagarik Unmukti Party patron Resham Chaudhary and Chairperson Ranjita Shrestha on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Dahal held talks with them at a time when there was a dispute between Chaudhary and Shrestha over whether to join the government or not.

According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the Prime Minister held a meeting with Shrestha at Baluwatar and with Chaudhary at the Prime Minister’s Office in Singha Durbar.

Prime Minister Dahal held discussions on the issues of the Sudurpaschim and Lumbini government.

A source said that the Prime Minister sought help from both of them for the formation of province government.

Though the Nagarik Unmukti Party has been supporting Prime Minister Dahal in the center, it has been throwing weight behind the Nepali Congress in the Sudurpaschim and Lumbini Province.

There are five ministers of Nagarik Unmukti Party in Sudurpaschim and the party is also participating in the Lumbini.

Chaudhary said that Prime Minister Dahal proposed a Chief Minister in the Sudurpaschim.

In reply, Chaudhary said that he would move ahead as per the decision of the party meeting to be held on April 5 and 6.

Nepali Congress has decided to withdraw its support to the Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government.

A meeting of the Central Work Execution Committee meeting held in Budhanilkantha on Tuesday decided to withdraw support extended to the government, Vice-President Dhanraj Gurung said.

Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal had ditched his key coalition partner, Nepali Congress, to form a new alliance with the main opposition, CPN-UML.

Now, Prime Minister Dahal has to seek a vote of confidence within 30 days.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal told the people's representatives of Gorkha that the operation of Gorakhkali Rubber Udhyog and construction of Budhigandaki Hydropower Project would be taken ahead immediately.

In a meeting with the mayors, deputy mayors and other people's representatives of various rural municipalities of Gorkha district who reached Baluwatar on Sunday evening, PM Dahal said the promises made during the election would be fulfilled, informed Barpak Sulikot Rural Municipality Chair, Bishnu Prasad Bhatta.

At the meeting with Prime Minister Dahal, the chiefs of the rural municipalities briefed about the situation in their respective municipalities and the plans and needs of development works, he said. "We put forth the issues on behalf of the rural municipality with the Prime Minister in the discussion," Bhatta said, adding, "He expressed his views focusing on the issues raised by the people's representatives."

During the discussion, the Prime Minister said that the construction of the national pride project, Budhigandaki Hydropower, is to be taken forward immediately.

"The Prime Minister is committed to expedite the construction of Budhigandaki project soon," he said, adding, "We are confident that the construction of the project will gain momentum now."

Bhatta informed that the closed Gorakhkali rubber industry located at Deurali of Gorkha Municipality-13 is also going to be operational soon. "The Prime Minister is planning to take forward the closed rubber industry on a public-private partnership model," he said, adding, "Based on our conversation, the prime minister is thinking of running the industry in partnership with the private sector in a way the land ownership will remain with the government." 

The Prime Minister also pledged to allocate a budget for the development of roads and other physical infrastructures in Gorkha in the coming fiscal year in a way that would be improved more than in the current fiscal year 2080÷81 BS, he said.

District Coordination Committee Gorkha Chief Mohan Bahadur Thapa Magar, deputy mayor Lila Pariyar, representatives of Bhimsen Thapa Rural Municipality, Gandaki Rural Municipality, Barpak Sulikot Rural Municipality, Ajirkot Rural Municipality, Chumnubri Rural Municipality, Gorkha Municipality, Palungtar Municipality, Dharche Rural Municipality and Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality, among others, reached Baluwatar to meet the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has expressed commitment to making the coming fiscal year's policy, program and budget people-oriented.

During the meeting with a delegation led by CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli at the official residence of the Prime Minister in Baluwatar today, PM Dahal shared that he was hopeful that it would bring good results as the quality change is going to be made in coming year's policy, program and the structure, timeline and process of the budget.

On the occasion, the CPN-UML had submitted a memorandum before the government after incorporating the demands put forth by the people during 'Resolution Journey for Prosperity' campaign launched by the UML from Jhulaghat of Baitadi to Chiwabhanjyang of Taplejung from November 30 to December 17.

Receiving the memo, the Prime Minister said the attention drawn by the UML on the issues of development, construction of mid-hill areas, public service and prosperity would make significant contributions in the government's policy, program and budget making.

He further said the UML's campaign has significantly contributed in protection of and strengthening the federal democratic republic.

PM Dahal also expressed commitment that the government would be seriously involved to address the possible issues presented by the UML in the memo.

Sharing that the campaign made significant contributions to understand the life of mid-hill areas, development construction, people's psychology, the situation of political collaboration, aspiration of prosperity, and its possibilities, former Prime Minister and UML Chair Oli urged the prime Minister to help address the issues incorporated in the memo.

UML office-bearers as well as other leaders were also in the delegation.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has instructed the government bodies including the ministry concerned to promptly resolve the problems related to cooperatives.

The PM issued this directive in the course of the discussions held at Baluwatar this morning with officials of the related bodies, said a press note issued by the PM Secretariat.

The Prime Minister on the occasion said provisions should be made in the Act itself so as to promote the cooperatives as infusing the embryo of socialism and focussed on collectivism and the interests of the lowest section of society. He further added that the cooperatives should be made systematic by adopting immediate and long-term measures.

He instructed the ministry and bodies concerned to carry out the required homework on an immediate and long-term basis for resolving the problems seen in the cooperatives.

Stating that his attention was drawn towards forming an effective regulatory body for the monitoring of cooperatives, PM Dahal directed the existing cooperatives regulatory agencies to present a report, classifying the cooperatives as well-performing, in crisis and bankrupt.

He called for paying attention to the security of the amount kept by depositors in the cooperatives, pointing out the need of taking effective steps in coordination of all the three tiers of the government for this.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, Ranjita Shrestha, Chief Secretary of Government of Nepal, Baikuntha Aryal and officials of the related ministries, departments and bodies were present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has pledged to ensure the full implementation of recommendations of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Addressing a function organized by the NHRC, marking the 75th International Human Rights Day, here today, the Prime Minister said he would initiate to implement all the NHRC recommendations. 

On the occasion, the government head said the government is consistently working to amend the act relating to transitional justice so as to make survivors feel of a greater justice.  "Politically, I am also effortful to make this happen," he said, pledging all sorts of possible support to make the NHRC further empowered and resourceful.

He utilized the forum to remind that the Constitution has identified 31 rights as fundamental rights of the citizens. "The government is committed to the protection of human rights."

NHRC Chair Top Bahadur Magar apprised the Prime Minister that only 15.3 percent NHRC recommendations have been enforced, urging the government to prioritize the implementation of NHRC advice. Taking the opportunity to brief the Prime Minister of challenges the NHRC is facing for operations due to its quake-damaged structures, he called on the government to swiftly conclude the transitional justice issues. 

NGO Federation President Ram Prasad Subedi said though Nepal's constitution is exemplary, improvements are needed in the status of constitutional mechanism and its implementation. "Frustrating remarks about the republic are due to the failure of the State's mechanism to work efficiently."

Fifteenth Human Rights Magna Meet coordinator Dipak Soni advised the government to be serious to conclude the transitional justice procedures. "Human Rights of each citizen be guaranteed."

Chinese Ambassador Chen Song called on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Monday.

During the meeting, they discussed contemporary issues, a source said.

On the occasion, the Chinese Ambassador expressed his concern about the damages caused by the earthquake in Jajarkot with Prime Minister Dahal.

He had expressed his commitment to provide necessary assistance for the earthquake-affected people.

The Chinese government had already announced to provide relief materials worth Rs 1 billion for quake-hit areas.

They also discussed the visit of Wang Junzheng, Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party of Tibet, to Nepal.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has reached Mustang on Wednesday. He landed at the Jomsom Airport at 7:45 am today.

Province In-Charge Devendra Paudel, District In-Charge Kapil Lama, Chief District Officer Janak Raj Panta and security personnel among others welcomed him at the airport.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Upper Mustang and to address an interaction related to climate and a joint district assembly in Jomsom.

During Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s official visit to China, the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) have solidified their commitment to strengthen economic ties and cooperation between Nepal and China.

This understanding culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CNI and CCPIT. The MoU paves the way for the establishment of the Nepal-China Business Council, reflecting the deep-rooted friendship and the strategic geographical proximity between the two nations.

The primary objective of the Nepal-China Business Council is to enhance bilateral economic cooperation between the two friendly nations. To achieve these goals, CNI and CCPIT have outlined a comprehensive roadmap, including the formation of the council itself. Under the terms of the MoU, the Nepal China Business Council will consist of four members, with two representatives nominated by each organization. CNI will appoint two office bearers, and CCPIT will nominate two members to serve on the council.

Likewise the council’s functions will encompass the exchange of valuable information and insights to streamline business activities, conducting research and study-related initiatives, creating networking opportunities to fuel growth in business, trade, and investment, and organizing exchange visits, conferences, dialogues, webinars, seminars, focused group discussions, training programs, and trade fairs to explore and introduce markets and trade opportunities, while also examining policies and regulations in both countries.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal was accorded a guard of honor in Beijing on Monday.

A squad of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army gave a guard of honor to Prime Minister Dahal this morning.

Prime Minister Dahal’s Chinese counterpart Li Qiang was also present on the occasion.

The bilateral talks between Nepal and China have started after the program.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that he was excited from the meeting and discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping held on Saturday.

Prime Minister Dahal said so this evening while addressing a reception organized by the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing.

The talks remained very fruitful and it would contribute to further deepening the bilateral relations, the PM expressed his confidence.

“The China visit this time has become unique and remarkable achievements have been made. I have realized that a further environment of confidence has been created for the country from the talks,” he added.

Likewise, the PM said that the visit has added a new chapter in the centuries-old Nepal-China relations adding that the discussions were also held on the areas of investment in new sectors for the development assistance in Nepal.

During his speech at the reception, the PM said that his government has taken the policy to collaborate also with the private sector.

The PM further said that his visit was focused on making different dimensions of Nepal-China relations more robust and ensure cooperation and understanding in the areas of agriculture, tourism, health, education and others in future.

Earlier, the PM had addressed the Nepal-China Business Summit on the theme “Facilitating Investments in Nepal: An Interaction with Chinese Business Enterprises” in Beijing urging the investors from China to invest in Nepal and reap benefits.

Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal has said that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Project is in the final stage of implementation.

Addressing the Nepal-China Business Summit on Sunday, Prime Minister Dahal said that Nepal joined the BRI Project in 2017 and is now in the final stage of its implementation.

The Prime Minister said that work is being done on cross-border economic zones, road corridors, railways and transmission lines between Nepal and China.

He said that Nepal had imported goods from third countries by using the Chinese port some time ago.

“Importing goods from third countries by using the Chinese port is the implementation of Nepal-China transit agreement.

Prime Minister Dahal said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and he discussed the issue of taking economic cooperation and partnership ahead.

The Prime Minister said that Chinese President Xi and he had a serious discussion on strengthening the cross-border connectivity.

Saying that Nepal is a suitable country for investment, he urged the Chinese businessmen to increase investment in the country.

“Nepal has become a very attractive destination for Chinese industry to invest,” he said.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Dahal also discussed the historical relationship between the two countries.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is currently on an official visit to the People's Republic of China, arrived in Beijing today.

He arrived here at 11 am local time from Hangzhou where he attended the opening of the 19th Asian Games.

The PM is scheduled to address the Nepal-China Business Summit to be held in Beijing today.

The Summit is organized by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and CCPIT, the umbrella organization of Chinese industrialists and business persons, in coordination with the Embassy of Nepal in China.

More than 100 industrialists and business persons of Nepal and China will be taking part in the Investment Summit.

The areas of investment between Nepal and China would be identified as well as promotion of investment in Nepal would be discussed during the Summit.

Nepal's Ambassador to China, Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, will host a dinner in honor of PM Dahal and the Nepali entourage accompanying him on the China visit today.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and US President Joe Biden held a meeting in New York on Friday.

In the brief meeting, they discussed matters of collaboration in mutual interest between the two countries, said PM Dahal's Press Advisor, Govinda Acharya.

US First Lady Jill Tracy Jacobs Biden, and daughter of Prime Minister Dahal, Ganga Dahal, were also present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal emphasized on the importance of collective action in tackling global challenges through peaceful means and diplomatic dialogue.

Addressing the UN General Assembly on Thursday, he highlighted Nepal’s unique position as regards climate change, saying that even with low emissions, vast forested areas that help preserve biodiversity, Nepal “suffers unfairly from climate crisis.”

“This kind of mismatch must be addressed,” the Prime Minister said, urging a mechanism to compensate countries making a positive difference in greening the planet.

“On our part, Nepal remains fully committed to the Paris Agreement and achieving its goals, having set an ambitious target of reaching a net-zero scenario by 2045,” he added.

Reshaping global governance and reforming multilateral institutions was overdue, Prime Minister Dahal said, urging meaningful engagement and representation of least developed, landlocked developing, and small island developing nations in the process.

“Only a more inclusive, fair and representative international financial architecture can be an antidote to the deep-rooted inequities and gaps,” he added.

The Prime Minister also advocated for the reform of the UN Security Council, emphasizing the need for representation, transparency, and accountability. He urged revitalizing the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, granting them greater roles.

Prime Minister Dahal said that currently as the Prime Minister and a co-signatory of the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Accord, which ended the armed conflict, he has been making “serious efforts” to build consensus and complete the task of transitional justice and conclude Nepal’s home-grown peace process.

In the transitional justice process, “there will be no blanket amnesty for serious violations of human rights,” he affirmed, adding: “The ultimate objective is to establish an enduring peace in the country and foster harmony in society through peace, justice, and reconciliation.”

He went on to note that Nepal is focused on sustaining socio-economic growth and development, and that it will be graduating from the status of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) by 2026.

“We are in the process of finalizing the smooth graduation strategy,” he said, highlighting that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) form the center of Nepal’s development vision and priorities.

PM Dahal urged greater international support through development and technical assistance, as well as foreign direct investment to overcome shocks induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and geo-political tensions.

The Nepali leader called for the shift in the current trajectory of global affairs, away from geopolitical competition, power polarization, and economic nationalism. Instead, he urged the international community to refocus on shared objectives of peace, prosperity, and progress.

“It is time to build trust, promote partnership and collaboration, and work in solidarity when the world is facing the challenges of unprecedented scale and nature,” he said.

Source: UN