KATHMANDU, MARCH 24
Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Paudel has acknowledged that Nepal is losing healthcare professionals due to inadequate policy measures.
Speaking at the fifth convocation ceremony of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) at Bir Hospital today, he stated that policy shortcomings, along with broader systemic issues, are fueling the exodus of medical professionals.
Minister Paudel revealed that over 1,500 locally trained healthcare professionals leave Nepal annually, creating a severe shortage of skilled personnel in the health sector. He stressed the urgent need for policy reforms and strategic interventions to curb this trend, calling for collective efforts to address the crisis.
As the Vice-Chancellor of NAMS, Minister Paudel praised the institution's role in producing competent and reliable medical professionals for Nepal.
"Several health facilities outside the Valley suffer from an acute shortage of medical personnel. Graduates from institutions like NAMS should step forward with strong determination to serve these underserved areas," he said.
He further stated that the government is formulating necessary plans to increase the number of doctors and nurses by conducting an Organization and Management (O&M) survey and implementing policies to mitigate brain drain.
