Health Ministry Leadership Transfers: Dr. Neupane to EDCD, Dr. Jha to Koshi

Health Ministry Leadership Transfers

5th November 2025, Kathmandu

The Ministry of Health and Population has executed significant personnel transfers across its subordinate bodies, affecting leadership roles in vital public health and operational divisions.

Health Ministry Leadership Transfers

These strategic changes, decided at the ministerial level on Tuesday, aim to strengthen administrative efficiency and fill long-standing vacancies in critical directorates.

The Health Ministry Leadership Transfers position experienced executives in crucial roles for disease control, family welfare, and health education.

This round of transfers affects directors and executive directors across national-level centers and regional hospitals, reflecting the Ministry’s initiative to optimize the placement of human resources based on expertise and institutional need. The movements are expected to inject new momentum into the management of key health programs.

New Leadership in Epidemiology and Disease Control

A major focus of the transfer decision is the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), the frontline agency responsible for tracking and managing disease outbreaks.

The Ministry has assigned Dr. Roshan Neupane as the new Chief of the EDCD, entrusting him with the responsibility of overseeing the nation’s epidemiological surveillance and response capabilities.

The outgoing Chief of the Division, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Jha, has been transferred to Koshi Hospital. It is important to note that while Dr. Jha moves to Koshi, he has not been appointed as the Director of the hospital; Dr. Runa Jha currently holds that directorial position. Dr. Chandra Bhushan Jha’s experience will actively contribute to the hospital’s administrative and clinical excellence.

Filling Critical Vacancies

The Ministry successfully filled several high-profile positions that had been vacant for extended periods, ensuring continuity in essential public health programs.

• Family Welfare Division: Dr. Madan Kumar Upadhyay has been appointed as the Director of the Department of Health Services’ Family Welfare Division. This role was previously vacant following the suspension of Dr. Bibek Lal. Dr. Upadhyay now leads national programs focused on reproductive health, maternal and child health, and family planning.
• Curative Services Division: The post of Director for the Curative Services Division, which had remained vacant for four months after Dr. Sudha Devkota assumed the Director position at Dadeldhura Hospital, is now filled by Dr. Pawan Jang Rayamajhi. Dr. Rayamajhi moves into this position from his previous role in the Management Division.

Appointments in Education and Administration

Further bolstering leadership across the Ministry’s network, key appointments were made in health communication and management:

• National Health Education, Information and Communication Centre (NHEICC): Dr. Radhika Thapaliya has been appointed as the Director of the NHEICC. Dr. Thapaliya brings significant administrative experience to the role, having previously served as the Health Secretary for Koshi Province. This move highlights the Ministry’s drive to enhance its public health information and communication strategies under experienced leadership.
• Management Division: Dr. Keshav Raj Pandit, the former Director of the NHEICC, has been transferred to the Management Division of the Department of Health Services. His expertise will be crucial in overseeing the logistical and resource management aspects of the national health system.

Finally, Dr. Chuman Lal Das, who served as the Director of Narayani Hospital, has also been transferred to a posting within the Ministry of Health and Population itself.

This significant rotation of experienced health professionals seeks to place the right individuals in pivotal roles, thereby enhancing the functional efficiency and responsiveness of the public health infrastructure across Nepal.

For more: Health Ministry Leadership Transfers