Joint efforts must to ensure the health rights of citizens

Kathmandu, September 16

Minister for Health Giriraj Mani Pokharel said non-communicable diseases, including cancer, had been increasing in the country and called on both private and public hospitals to work together to raise awareness of such diseases and facilitate timely treatment.

Speaking at the 35th inception anniversary programme of Nepal Cancer Relief Society in Kathmandu today, the minister stressed on health sector reforms, including health insurance for people. He also emphasised on preventive measures to combat such diseases and early diagnosis for successful treatment.

In a similar vein, former health minister Gagan Kumar Thapa said the government alone could not tackle all heath problems in the country and pointed to the need for collaboration between both public and private sectors. He said, “The government’s only duty is to secure health rights of people rather than fund treatment of individual citizens. Joint efforts of the private and public sectors is key to ensuring the health rights of people.”

He further added that the government should work towards reducing prices of cancer medicines and providing incentives for early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Addressing the programme, Minister for General Administration Tek Bahadur Basnet said the ministry would strictly implement the decision to impose ban on the use of tobacco across the country.

NCRS honoured various personalities, including medical experts, government officials, social workers, and journalists for their contributions to the fight against cancer in the country.