Ministry on high alert to continue health services during election

Kathmandu. The Ministry of Health and Population has adopted high alertness to continue health services during the upcoming elections to the House of Representatives scheduled for March 4. The Ministry has made necessary preparations in view of the possible clashes and road disruptions that may take place due to the intensification of various political activities before the elections.

Spokesperson of the Ministry Dr. Prakash Budhathoki said that it has been estimated that there might be clashes among the party cadres in course of the election mass meetings, assemblies, door-to-door programmes and some groups attempting to disrupt the elections might obstruct the road.

He added that preparations have been made so that health services are not affected as there might be activities like cutting down trees and shutting down the road or creating other obstacles in the name of disrupting the elections. The Ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Home Affairs, provinces and local levels for the same.

He said that the Election Commission has also been urged to make arrangements so that the mobilization of health workers does not affect service delivery. According to him, the Ministry has directed all the hospitals and health institutions to continue their regular services.

Spokesperson Budhathoki said that the health workers have been urged not to give unnecessary leave, postpone long leave and continue to work in service. He said that the injured could face serious problems if health workers are not available when they reach the hospital.

The Ministry has already conducted orientation and virtual training for health workers and arranged stock of necessary medicines and equipment in view of the possible emergency. He said that medicines and logistics have been stored in strategic locations and emergency medical teams and rapid response teams will also be deployed if needed.