Health Minister Dr. Gautam Meets UN Agencies to Fortify Nepal’s Health Tech and System
Nepal Health System Strengthening
13th November 2025, Kathmandu
Minister of Health and Population Dr. Sudha Gautam held a joint courtesy meeting with representatives from various United Nations agencies committed to supporting the health sector in Nepal.
Nepal Health System Strengthening
This high-level discussion focused on accelerating Nepal Health System Strengthening by integrating modern technology, enhancing data governance, and streamlining supply chain logistics—all critical areas where ICT plays a pivotal role.
Sustaining Partnership for Digital Health Evolution
Minister Dr. Gautam commenced the meeting by expressing profound appreciation for the United Nations’ sustained and vital cooperation in bolstering Nepal’s overall health infrastructure.
A key theme emphasized was the transition towards a digitally empowered health system. The government recognizes that effective health system strengthening in the current era must be underpinned by robust ICT solutions.
Core Priorities: A Tech-Forward Agenda
The Minister outlined the government’s key priorities, with a clear focus on integrating technology for efficiency and quality improvement. These priorities are:
Technology integration is vital here, moving towards digital health records for tracking maternal and child outcomes, improving surveillance, and implementing telemedicine solutions, especially in remote areas.
The discussion highlighted the need for expanding mental health services. Digital platforms and mobile applications could be crucial for delivering tele-counseling and mental health resources to a broader population, promoting easier access and reducing stigma.
This area requires significant technological overhaul. Priorities include:
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- Strengthening the National Drug Laboratory: Upgrading its facilities and adopting LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) for faster, more accurate testing.
- Quality Regulation and Improvement: Implementing digital systems for real-time drug quality monitoring and counterfeit detection.
Digitalization is central to improving the national health insurance scheme. Adopting a unified, robust digital platform would improve enrollment, simplify claim processing, and enhance financial sustainability and transparency.
One of the biggest challenges is the procurement and supply chain of essential health materials. The Minister stressed the need for a systematized, tech-driven procurement and supply chain improvement.
Implementing inventory management software and using data analytics to predict demand will ensure better availability of essential supplies nationwide.
UN Pledges Continued Support
In response, the United Nations representatives reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to supporting Nepal. They acknowledged the strategic importance of the priorities presented by the Minister, particularly those focusing on quality control, data-driven decision-making, and strengthening the entire health ecosystem.
The UN bodies pledged to align their ongoing and future programs to support these focused areas, ensuring a greater impact on the citizens of Nepal.
High-Level UN Participation
The meeting brought together key leaders from the international development community, signaling the global importance of this partnership for Nepal Health System Strengthening. Participants included:
- Dr. Rajesh S. Pandav, Representative, WHO Country Office Nepal
- Ms. Kyoko Yokosuka, Resident Representative, UNDP Nepal
- Mr. Sriram Haridass, Representative ad interim, UNFPA Nepal
- Ms. Alice Akunga, Representative, UNICEF Nepal
- Mr. Riaz Lodhi, Representative and Country Director, WFP Nepal
- Mr. Arun G.C., Assistant FAOR, FAO Nepal
This joint consultation marks a forward step in leveraging international expertise and modern technology to build a resilient, accessible, and quality-driven health system across Nepal.
For more: Nepal Health System Strengthening
