Draft of Health Service Act in final stage: Minister Paudel; Ministry concerned over promotion of tobacco in festivals

Kathmandu / Feb 27: Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, has said the draft of the Health Service Act is in final phase.

Stressing the need of moving head making systematic health policy, he shared that activities are underway to formulate the policy incorporating the entire health sector.

At a programme organized at the Ministry of Health and Population today on the occasion of the 28th Health Service Day, 2081, the Health Minister mentioned, “We are trying to bring an integrated health service act and incorporate all health sectors. The act will be finalized holding discussions with stakeholders. Efforts are underway to incorporate all issues of human resources related to health service in the act.”

He further said: “Health workers could not fulfill their duties under pressure. A working environment should be created for them. Most of human resources of health sector do not want to stay in the country. We have to build environment conducive for personal growth. This issue should be incorporated in the health service act.”

Similarly, former Health Secretary, Roshan Pokharel, pointed out the need of making separate health service act in order to make health service special.

“Problems related to quota in health sector should be resolved. Employees need encouragement”, he mentioned.

Likewise, Chief of Policy Plan and Monitoring Division of the Ministry, Dr Krishna Prasad Poudel, shared that remarkable progress in different index of health sector as compared to other sectors is the matter of happiness.

‘There is improvement in health index amidst various challenges. However, remote areas of the country are still out of health service access. Brain drain of health related human resources has become challenging”, mentioned Poudel.

Chairperson Nepal Health Workers Union, Ujjawal Kumar Sharma stressed the need of Organisation and Management (O&M) to resolve problems related to quotas of health workers.

He expressed the view that suggestions of employees of all levels should be solicited while making health service act.

The 28th Health Service Day is being observed across the country today under the slogan ‘Accessible Health Service: Our Commitment for Healthy Nepal’ by organizing various programmes.

Health Ministry concerned over promotion of tobacco products in festivals

The Ministry of Health and Population has urged not to advertise and promote tobacco products in the name of festivals.

Stating that the involvement of producers of tobacco products has been noticed and found in some festivals and cultural gatherings, the Ministry urged everyone to refrain from such activities.

Ministry Spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki reminds that the Tobacco Products (Control and Regulation) Act, 2068 BS (2011) prohibits the advertisement, promotion, or sponsorship of tobacco products in any form. This includes dissemination through newspapers, electronic media (radio, television, FM, internet, email), interaction programmes, hoardings, wall paintings, logos, signage, writing, visuals, audio, or through any other media. “Violating these provisions is punishable by law,” he said.

Budhathoki urged the public to not seek the sponsorship of tobacco manufacturers in public events, bearing in mind the consequences of consumption of tobacco products in human health including their economic, social and cultural lives.

The Spokesperson added that the effective implementation of the Act, relevant regulations and the directives will contribute to preventing diseases caused by tobacco consumption, reducing mortality rates and improving public health.

Anyone who notices violations of the Act is encouraged to report them to the Ministry through the ‘Hello Health Call Centre’ at 1115 (available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm) or via Viber and WhatsApp at 9851330592. RSS