Kathmandu, January 25:

The government is doing homework to draft a 20-year health policy plan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health and Population, Amik Sherchan, said today.

Addressing a programme organised to mark the 11th anniversary of the Sahid Gangalal National Heart Center (SGNHC) today, Sherchan said, “Doctors are unwilling to work in rural and remote areas.” He added that the 20-year health plan will focus on free health service to the disadvantaged group, establishing health centres on the basis of population density, health condition of people and geography. He said quota of doctors in rural areas will be fulfiled.

Sherchan said, “There is a lack of physical infrastructure, trained manpower and other facilities in hospitals. The government is working to implement the work plan.”

He said that the SGNHC should start training its health workers and convince them to work in rural areas.

Acting director of the SGNHC, Bhagwan Koirala, presented the annual report of the year 2006.