Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital 31st Anniversary: New Lab Inaugurated as Federal Minister Vows to Fix Health Insurance
10th November 2025, Kathmandu
The Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital’s 31st Anniversary (Celebrating Three Decades of Cancer Care) was celebrated with great enthusiasm on Monday, marking a significant milestone in Nepal’s healthcare landscape.
Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital 31st Anniversary
The main event featured the inauguration of a newly constructed Laboratory Building and the release of a commemorative souvenir.
The ceremony was graced by Dr. Sudha Sharma Gautam, Federal Minister of Health and Population, who served as the chief guest.
The anniversary highlighted the remarkable journey of the hospital, which grew from a modest 2-bed unit in B.S. 2051 (1994/95) into a specialized, 150-bed cancer hospital serving the entire nation.
Minister Gautam Pledges to Reform the Health Sector and Insurance
In her address, Minister Dr. Sudha Sharma Gautam expressed well wishes for the hospital’s continued progress and reiterated its commitment to adding services for cancer victims.
A significant portion of her speech focused on addressing the systemic challenges facing the health sector:
Addressing Health Insurance Payments: The Minister acknowledged the issues faced by the hospital in receiving timely payments from the health insurance program.
She assured the audience that she is actively working to improve the insurance program and resolve payment-related problems, affirming her commitment to a better-functioning health sector.
Dispelling Misconceptions: Dr. Gautam countered the common misconception that medicines provided through health insurance are substandard, urging the public not to fall victim to such rumors.
Constitutional Rights: She affirmed the government’s commitment to the constitutional right to free health services, stating that the government is implementing a basic health service package at primary health centers and has allocated conditional budgets to local levels for this purpose.
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Cancer Prevention: Minister Gautam stressed that smoking and drinking are major causes of cancer, urging everyone to take personal initiative to minimize these risks.
Local Government Commends Struggle and Growth
Rajani Joshi, the Acting Mayor of Bhaktapur Municipality and special guest, spoke on the hospital’s history and its role in the community.
A National Leader: She expressed pride that the hospital has become a leading national institution due to the hard work and struggle of its pioneers.
Transition to Government Control: The Acting Mayor recalled the difficult past, noting that the hospital was successfully transitioned from the hands of individuals involved in corruption and irregularity within a non-governmental organization to government control following continuous efforts by the hospital staff, local citizens, and the municipality.
Focus on Research: She highlighted the Municipality’s support, including the provision of 5 ropani and 4 aana of land in B.S. 2058 (2001/02). She strongly emphasized that the hospital must now focus on study, research, and prevention alongside curative treatment.
National Impact Highlighted by Provincial Minister
Kiran Thapa, the Health Minister of Bagmati Province, underlined the hospital’s vital role in national healthcare. He noted that the availability of specialized treatment for a devastating disease like cancer in Bhaktapur has significantly improved access to care for the people of all 77 districts across Nepal.
Conclusion and Recognition
The comprehensive ceremony was also addressed by Culture and Tourism Minister Suresh Shrestha, Chief District Officer Umesh Kumar Dhakal, and Hospital Executive Director Ujjwal Chalise.
Minister Gautam concluded the event by distributing certificates of appreciation to long-serving hospital employees and presenting letters of honor to various institutions that provided financial support to the hospital.
The Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital’s 31st Anniversary stands as a testament to the hospital’s endurance and its crucial commitment to fighting cancer in Nepal.
For more: Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital 31st Anniversary
