New Delhi — During the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, currently underway in New Delhi, India, Hon. Minister for Health and Population Dr. Sudha Sharma Gautam held a bilateral meeting with Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Europe.

During the meeting, Minister Dr. Gautam briefed Dr. Kluge on Nepal’s recent policy reforms, programs, and new initiatives aimed at strengthening mental health services. She highlighted the government’s priority to integrate mental health into primary health care, with a strong focus on expanding service coverage, improving accessibility, and enhancing the quality of care nationwide.

Dr. Kluge expressed particular interest in Nepal’s approach to integrating Ayurveda and other traditional and alternative medicine systems with modern medical practice. Describing Nepal’s model as unique and commendable, he noted that it offers valuable lessons and opportunities for experience sharing that could also benefit the WHO European Region.

The discussion also covered the scientific basis of traditional medicine, necessary policy adjustments, and the effective use of traditional medical practices within the public health system. Both sides expressed a positive commitment to expanding future collaboration in areas such as technical cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.

This high-level engagement at the WHO Global Summit is expected to further enhance international recognition of Nepal’s efforts toward building an inclusive and integrated health system.