Kathmandu — Newly appointed Health Minister Dr. Sudha Sharma Gautam has outlined her immediate priorities after taking office, emphasizing that people must feel the presence of good governance.

Dr. Gautam, who previously served as health secretary, is well acquainted with the system. Below are her immediate priorities:

Mental Health First

Highlighting the growing psychosocial challenges amid the current socio-political context, Dr. Gautam announced mental health as her top priority. Her first decision in office was to launch free psychosocial counseling services for those injured and affected by the Gen-Z movement. She also shared plans to form a special technical team to analyze mental health data and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance for free health insurance for families of those killed during the movement.

Zero Tolerance Against Corruption

Calling corruption the root cause of public frustration, Dr. Gautam vowed to enforce a zero-tolerance policy across all departments. She said all procurement processes would be made fully transparent, and administrative corruption—such as delays, favoritism, and negligence—would also be treated as misconduct.

Ensuring Good Governance and Accountability

Dr. Gautam stressed that citizens’ lack of trust in governance had fueled public unrest. She committed to a performance-based evaluation system and studies to address the shortage and imbalance of health personnel at provincial and local levels. She also promised to cut wasteful expenditure and ensure efficient resource management.

Relief for Gen-Z Movement Victims

The minister also announced continued free treatment and compensation for those injured during the Gen-Z movement, with priority support for affected families. She pledged to include qualified family members of martyrs in the health sector workforce and to collaborate with the private sector for long-term restoration programs.

Long-term Reforms and Maternal Health Focus

Dr. Gautam highlighted plans to tackle human resource shortages, ensure transparency in promotion and staffing, and prioritize underserved local units. She also pledged targeted maternal and child health programs in high-mortality provinces such as Madhesh, Karnali, Sudurpaschim, and Lumbini.

Health Support for Migrant Workers

She expressed commitment to strengthen pre-departure health counseling for migrant workers and expand health insurance coverage in coordination with the Ministry of Labour.

“The Ministry must become not just a policy center but a place where public trust is restored,” Dr. Gautam remarked.