Health Sector Reforms: Minister Sharma’s Site Inspection Drives Accountability in Lumbini Province
Immediate Health Sector Reforms
25th November 2025, Kathmandu
The Honorable Minister of Health and Population of the Government of Nepal, Dr. Sudha Sharma Gautam, has completed a critical site inspection and monitoring tour of various health facilities in Kapilvastu and Rupandehi districts.
Immediate Health Sector Reforms
Accompanied by distinguished officials from Federal and Provincial Health Ministries, the Minister’s visit targeted the Lumbini Province health sector where high maternal mortality rates have necessitated immediate health sector reforms.
A special action plan was announced for urgent improvements in provinces like Lumbini, focusing especially on Kapilvastu. This move underscores a strong commitment to public health system strengthening and increased governance and accountability in Nepal’s healthcare delivery.
Focused Inspection in Kapilvastu
Minister Sharma conducted on-the-ground assessments of several key institutions in Kapilvastu. She thoroughly observed the conditions at Labani Health Post, Pakadi Basic Health Center, which includes a dedicated Birthing Center, Banganga Ayurveda Dispensary, Harnampur Primary Hospital and Kapilvastu Ayurveda Health Center (Dohani).
The Minister also inspected the construction progress of the new Basic Hospitals in Shuddhodhan and Mayadevi Rural Municipalities.These visits aimed to identify operational bottlenecks and gather firsthand information on the challenges faced by local health service providers.
Monitoring Service Delivery in Rupandehi
The inspection tour extended to significant health facilities within the Rupandehi district. Minister Sharma’s itinerary included Basic Hospital located in Sainamaina Municipality andPadmapani Natural Therapy Center.
Crucially, she engaged with officials at Lumbini Provincial Hospital, Butwal, considered the central hub for curative services in the province. The discussions centered on service delivery quality, expansion plans, and future strategies for this vital institution.
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Ensuring Quality and Preparedness
A core focus of the visit was the quality assurance of diagnostic services, especially for infectious disease surveillance. The Minister inspected the Provincial Public Health Laboratory in Tamnagar, Rupandehi. Maintaining high standards in laboratories is paramount for effective disease control and safeguarding public health.
Call for Good Governance and Accountability
During brief meetings and interactions with representatives from local levels and health institutions, the Minister issued a clear directive. Dr. Sudha Sharma Gautam emphasized the need for all stakeholders to move forward with a definitive action plan prioritizing good governance and accountability alongside citizen-friendly services.
She firmly stressed that providing basic health services remains non-negotiable for securing the constitutional fundamental rights of citizens.
Furthermore, she commended the remarkable work being carried out by dedicated health workers on the front lines. The immediate health sector reforms and special action plan for Lumbini Province are expected to significantly boost the performance of the public health system strengthening initiatives.
This commitment to site inspection reflects a results-oriented approach to improve governance and accountability in healthcare across the nation.
The Road Ahead for Lumbini Province Health Sector
Lumbini Province, facing the challenge of high maternal mortality, is now a priority for intensive health system overhaul. The Minister’s inspection signals a shift towards active monitoring and performance-based evaluation.
The announced special work plan is set to drive tangible improvements in infrastructure, service quality, and personnel deployment. Moving forward, continuous monitoring and transparent implementation of the reforms will be key to achieving better health outcomes for the citizens of Kapilvastu, Rupandehi, and the entire province.
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