Kathmandu – The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has officially presented Health Minister Dr. Sudha Sharma with a set of recommendations addressing the major challenges facing Nepal’s health system. The association also extended congratulations to Dr. Sharma on her appointment and wished her a successful tenure.

In the letter, the NMA highlighted several pressing issues, including coordination challenges following the federal restructuring, the weak state of primary healthcare services, limited effectiveness of the national health insurance program, and inequalities in human resource management. The association urged the strengthening of primary healthcare infrastructure, improving the impact of the national health insurance scheme, and clarifying accountability mechanisms across federal, provincial, and local levels.

The NMA also emphasized the need to boost the morale of doctors and health workers and ensure the safety of healthcare personnel working in rural areas. During discussions with the minister, association officials emphasized that collaboration between the ministry and the medical community is essential for achieving sustainable improvements in health services.

Minister Sharma expressed her gratitude for the NMA’s initiative and assured that the recommendations would be prioritized in future policy-making processes.

According to the NMA, strengthening Nepal’s health system requires reforms in policy, structure, and practices, which can only be achieved through a shared commitment from all stakeholders.