Kathmandu – This year’s Swasthya Khabar Health Award was dedicated to the theme of Basic Health Services, recognizing individuals and institutions who have made remarkable contributions in strengthening health care across Nepal.

The awards were presented on the occasion of Swasthya Khabar Patrika entering its 16^th year. Organized by the Swasthya Khabar Foundation in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Population, the 13^th edition of the Health Award honored doctor, nurse, public health professional, paramedic, female community health volunteer, health institutions, local government, health promoter and activist for their extraordinary service.

At a special ceremony held in Kathmandu on Monday, the Honorable Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, presented the awards.

Best Doctor Award: Dr. Gaurav Sah (Katari Hospital, Udayapur), who transformed a crumbling health facility into a trusted center of care over the last decade, even performing complex surgeries where once only minor procedures were possible.

Best Nurse Award: ANM Janaki Pujara (Baitadi), recognized for her heroic act of saving a newborn’s life by giving continuous mouth-to-mouth breathing for six hours, and for her consistent dedication in maternal and newborn care.

Best Female Community Health Volunteer: Sona Kumari Mahato (Sarlahi), honored for breaking social barriers and becoming a leading voice in health awareness and women’s empowerment in her community.

Best Health Worker Award: Binod Kumar Neupane (Public Health Inspector, Kalikot), awarded for raising service standards at his health post and using songs and awareness campaigns to inspire local communities—earning him the title ‘Doctor-Artist.’

Best Public Health Professional Award: Hari Prasad Bhusal (Parbat), who, as head of the local health division, introduced innovative and sustainable approaches that improved health indicators and transparency in service delivery.

Best Health Institution Award: Kolti Hospital (Bajura), recognized for its transformation into a lifeline for remote Karnali communities, and Mata Tirtha Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine Hospital, honored for reviving trust in Ayurveda and natural medicine.

Best Health Education Promoter Award: Sheela Shrestha, for her outstanding contribution to producing and implementing effective health communication materials across all levels of government.

Best Local Government Award: Rapti Rural Municipality (Dang), acknowledged for prioritizing health in local governance and running impactful health programs despite limited resources.

Best Activist Award: Ujwal Bikram Thapa, for his two decades of advocacy and community education on burn prevention and support for burn survivors.

In addition to the category winners, special recognitions were awarded to:

Mr. Hein Stahl (Germany), founder of Interplast, for over 27 years of continuous support in Nepal’s health sector, especially in expanding access to essential treatment.

America Nepal Medical Foundation, for its significant contributions in medical knowledge transfer, technological support, and financial aid, strengthening Nepal’s health services.

Madhesh Institute of Health Sciences, the first provincial-level medical college, for advancing medical education and providing essential health services in Madhesh Province.

These awards celebrated the unwavering commitment of health professionals and institutions working tirelessly to make quality health services accessible to every corner of Nepal.