KATHMANDU, MAY 27
The Ministry of Health and Population has initiated preparations for the prevention and control of potential pandemics during the upcoming monsoon season.
Health Minister Pradip Paudel convened a preparatory meeting that resulted in six key decisions focused on response and prevention measures, considering the increased risk of various infections, diseases, and pandemics during the rainy season.
At the meeting held today with health officials engaged in disaster response and pandemic control, Minister Paudel instructed the team to proactively identify potential risks and ensure timely preparedness.
According to the Minister's Private Secretariat, the Department of Health Services will take necessary steps to maintain hygiene and ensure the availability of clean water in areas identified as vulnerable to disease outbreaks.
Additionally, the National Health Education, Information and Communication Centre will implement awareness campaigns at the local level to promote the use of clean water.
The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division will gather relevant data and coordinate preparedness efforts by conducting virtual meetings with rapid response teams across all local levels. The division will also update its roster of trained personnel for health-related disaster response and deploy them across all seven provinces as needed.
Furthermore, coordination will be established with the National Emergency Operation Centre and the Provincial Health Emergency Operation Centres to streamline efforts.
The meeting also resolved that the Department of Health Services will submit a proposal to the ministry within a week to amend the Infectious Disease Act, 2020 in line with current needs and evolving public health contexts.
