Health and Population Minister Advocates for Free Education Up to Class 12 Across Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal — September 15, 2023

Health and Population Minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet expressed his strong belief that education up to class 12 should be made free across Nepal. The statement came during a conference on population and development held in Kathmandu on Friday.

Education and Health: Cornerstones of Development

Minister Basnet stated that both education and health are essential for the country’s development and should be managed and progressed by the state. "The development of the nation is not possible without progress and management in education and health," said the Minister.

Making a Nationwide Impact

During his speech, Basnet lauded Sindhupalchok's three municipalities for offering free education up to the 12th standard. He emphasized that this initiative should not be localized but should be adopted across the country. "It should be free nationwide. We are working in sensitive areas of education and health. Our small mistake can kill people," Minister Basnet warned.

Timely Interventions in Healthcare

The Minister also touched upon the recent tragic event at Kanti Children's Hospital, where a young child died due to inadequate healthcare staff. He informed that action is being taken to address these gaps and stressed the importance of timely interventions. "If we pay attention in time, we can save the lives of not one person, but thousands of people. We need to be more serious," Basnet said.

Stricter Measures for Medical Professionals

Minister Basnet didn't mince words when discussing the medical profession’s reluctance to serve in remote areas. He revealed that stricter regulations have been imposed to hold doctors accountable, especially those who have studied on government scholarships. Due to these measures, doctors are now increasingly heading to remote places, fulfilling a critical service gap.

Policy Breakthroughs

Basnet has made it a priority to clear policy bottlenecks, stating that he has already passed various strategies that have been stuck in the ministry for over 16 years. His active role has led to swifter implementation of key policies, especially in the crucial sectors of health and education.

A Strong Call to Action

Minister Basnet is putting his words into action by raising this critical issue in the Parliament and the Council of Ministers. With his call for free education up to class 12 and the necessary reforms in healthcare, Nepal could see a pivotal turn in its development trajectory.