KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 26

The newly appointed Minister for Health and Population, Dr. Sudha Sharma, assumed office on Sunday.

Her first decision after taking charge was to provide psychological counseling to those injured during the Gen Z protest.

Speaking to media personnel upon assuming office, Minister Dr. Sharma pledged transparency in the procurement of medical supplies and equipment and a firm commitment to ending corruption in the health sector. 'The Gen Z protest was for good governance and an end to corruption. I hope I will not have to hear any complaints of corruption under my tenure,' she stated.

According to her, the present government has placed mental health among its top priorities.

She further shared her plan to hold discussions with the Ministry of Finance to secure a budget for providing free health insurance to the families of those who were martyred during the protest. 'This government belongs to the citizens, and performance alone will determine our evaluation,' she emphasized.

Addressing the ongoing issues concerning nurses' pay rates, Dr. Sharma said the matter would be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding.

Dr. Sharma, who previously served as Health Secretary, is a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics as well as a public health expert.

(With inputs from Rastriya Samachar Samiti)