AGP Executive Report

Electricity & health of the grid: Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha says Nepal should prioritize boosting electricity use and exports, while fixing transmission so surplus power doesn’t go to waste. Sanitation in hospitals: A WHO-UNICEF report finds only 4 in 10 healthcare facilities worldwide meet basic sanitation standards, with Central and South Asia at 55%—a direct warning for patient safety. Jajarkot camp outbreak risk: Flu and fever are spreading among landslide survivors sheltering in Jajarkot camps as contaminated water raises the risk of wider disease transmission. Road crash deaths in Makawanpur: A jeep accident on the Kathmandu–Hetauda route killed court registrar’s wife Laxmi Badu; multiple others were injured and airlifted for treatment. Cancer drug access: Brukinsa access for CLL patients in low- and middle-income countries has been extended through 2028, including support reaching Nepal. Breastfeeding rescue spotlight: Minister Sita Badi’s viral breastfeeding moment came during a rescue of malnourished children from a Kathmandu shelter, where a 17-day-old baby had no milk available. Telecom competition push: Communications Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina urged Ncell and other providers to compete fairly and follow regulations.

Road Safety & Health Impact: A Scorpio jeep crash at Jurikhet, Bhimphedi (Makawanpur) killed 49-year-old Laxmi Badu and injured six others, including High Court chief judge Gokarna Dangi; several were airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment. Hospital Access & Equity: The government says 3,000+ free hospital beds are allocated for indigent citizens, but only 869 are being used; many “free” beds still require patients to pay for medicines, tests and services. Parliament & Public Services: HoR lawmakers pressed the government on cooking gas and chemical fertilizer shortages, healthcare access, road connectivity, and wildlife threats. Energy & Public Health Link: Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha urged prioritizing higher domestic electricity use and expanding exports, citing near-universal access and plans like seasonal tariffs. Regulation for Safer Care: Nepal’s commerce authority ordered mandatory registration for e-commerce platforms, covering services including health and insurance. Healthcare System Stress: A TB patient’s case highlights that even with free medicines, 51% of TB-affected households face catastrophic costs from tests, travel, food and lost income. Cross-border Military Health: India’s Army chief Dhiraj Seth met PM Balendra Shah and handed over military and health equipment; he was also conferred honorary General rank of the Nepali Army.

Human-Wildlife Conflict: A tiger captured from Dubichaur, Chitwan after attacking a 60-year-old highlights rising tiger-human clashes as Nepal’s Bengal tiger count reaches 429. Public Health Alert: Japanese encephalitis deaths have climbed to 16 this year, with 63 infections across 22 districts; officials note most victims were unvaccinated and linked to areas near paddy farms and piggery. Justice & Rights: Nepal’s Supreme Court granted priority hearing to a writ petition seeking livelihood, free health treatment, and employment rights for conflict victims. Medical Safety & Misinformation: A lung-cancer scare in Italy turned out to be lipoid pneumonia from oil-based nasal products—warning that scans can mislead and exposure history matters. Healthcare Governance: The Medical Education Commission directed institutions to implement teaching fees strictly under the National Medical Education Act. Regional Health & Disaster: After Indonesia’s 7.7 quake on Flores Island, 12,800 people are displaced and rescue operations continue. Sports/Wellness Tech: Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro launched in Nepal with ECG and A-fib alerts, plus women’s health monitoring.

Medical Education & Regulation: The Medical Education Commission has directed universities and institutes to collect teaching fees strictly under the National Medical Education Act, 2075, making hostel/mess charges optional for students and reiterating compliance through fresh letters. Parliament & Public Health Lawmaking: Both Houses meet today; the National Assembly will send the Infectious Animal Disease (Control) Bill, 2083 to the Legislation Management Committee for clause-wise discussion, while the House of Representatives is set to consider multiple bills including Mines and Minerals, Children (First Amendment), and Passport (First Amendment). Disaster Response & Safety: A 7.7 quake on Indonesia’s Flores Island has displaced about 12,800 people, with schools and offices used as shelters as aftershocks continue; in Nepal, a jeep accident in Kavre killed two and injured four, with helicopter rescue to Dhulikhel Hospital. Health & Community: Nepal’s prisons are reported 43% overcrowded, prompting new management measures; meanwhile, a cancer awareness piece and a fenugreek-water health tip circulated online. Cross-border Health/Defense Support: Indian Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth was conferred honorary General rank of the Nepal Army and handed over medical supplies to the Nepali Army, reinforcing bilateral ties.

Disaster Response & Health: Indonesia’s 7.7 quake has killed at least 51 and displaced about 5,000, with damage to 87 education facilities and 18 healthcare centres, while a second 6.9 quake hit Sumatra—raising fears for vulnerable communities. Monsoon Risk: Nepal’s Meteorological Forecasting Division warns of active monsoon rains, with heavy downpours likely in hilly areas and higher risks of landslides, floods and soil erosion, especially in Sudurpaschim. Landslide Updates (Jajarkot): In Risang, Bheri Municipality, the landslide death toll has reached three with two still missing and multiple injuries, prompting ongoing search and referrals for serious cases. Local Safety (Bajura): Tamsu settlement residents in Triveni Municipality are moving into tents and tarpaulins after cracks and landslide risk from Aug 13 rainfall. Policy for Access: The government unveiled the National Supply Policy 2083 to curb syndicates, artificial shortages and price hikes—aiming for clearer roles across federal, provincial and local levels. Health System Preparedness (Regional): Bhutan’s full-scale 7.5 quake simulation, supported by Nepal experts, flagged gaps in emergency equipment and coordination, with lessons for hospitals and responders. NRN & Worker Protection: NRNA urged Nepal to set up shelter houses abroad for Nepali workers in trouble, plus skills training via skill academies. Skin & Wellness: A Kathmandu dermatologist says Nepal-specific skincare should account for climate, altitude and urban pollution.

Health Insurance Upgrade: Nepal’s Health Insurance Board has launched an online system for people to enrol in the National Health Insurance Programme, renew policies, and update details including KYC, with payments via e-sewa, Khalti and Connect IPS—reducing reliance on enrolment assistants. Public Health Alert: Japanese encephalitis cases are rising in Jhapa, with a new infection reported in Mechinagar; total cases reached 10 and five deaths, including a seven-month-old baby, prompting renewed calls to eliminate stagnant water to cut mosquito breeding. Disaster & Care Access: In Jajarkot, a landslide at Risang (Bheri Municipality-2) has killed three and left two missing, with multiple injuries and referrals to Nepalgunj and Surkhet; authorities have mobilised security teams and relocated around 200 residents due to ongoing slide risk. Monsoon Watch: The Meteorological Forecasting Division warns monsoon conditions are active, with heavy rain possible in hilly areas and heightened risk of landslides, floods and erosion—potentially disrupting health services and transport. HIV Progress (Regional): UNAIDS reports Kenya has cut new HIV infections by nearly 80% since 2010, highlighting how sustained prevention and treatment can sharply reduce transmission.

Health Insurance Digital Push: Nepal’s Health Insurance Board has launched fully online enrolment, renewal, and KYC updates, letting people register themselves or families via eportal.hib.gov.np and pay through eSewa, Khalti, or ConnectIPS—reducing the need for queueing with assistants. Trauma Care Upgrade: Siraha’s Lahan Hospital is set to get an immediate trauma unit, with provincial specialist doctors and plans to restart CT services by arranging needed specialists. Road Safety Tragedy: In Nuwakot, a bus carrying pilgrims rolled away while parked, crashed into an EV van, and killed two while injuring three; the driver is detained for investigation. Disaster Response in Jajarkot: A landslide in Jajarkot left two people missing and injured two others; rescue teams struggled to reach the site due to continued damage. Youth & Tech/Wellbeing: Energy Minister Birajbhakta Shrestha urged youth to embrace change and use information technology responsibly, while also prioritizing mental health. Caregiver Migration (Israel): A feature highlights how Nepal’s MoU with Israel has enabled Nepali caregivers to work in geriatric institutions, including challenges like language adaptation. Eye Care Expansion: Tilganga Community Eye Center, Chandrapur (Rautahat) has started operations under a 20-year municipal agreement to expand local eye treatment services.

Health Insurance: The Health Insurance Board has moved family registration fully online, letting people enroll via the board’s portal or QR code instead of queuing at offices, with OTP-based account setup and document uploads. Trauma Care: Health Minister Nisha Mehta says a trauma unit will start immediately at Lahan Hospital in Siraha, using available CT and specialist support while a full trauma center is planned. Hospital Governance: Karnali Health Sciences Institute amended its ordinance within 48 hours, widening eligibility for the Registrar role to postgraduate holders in any subject. Eye Health Access: Tilganga Community Eye Center in Chandrapur Municipality (Rautahat) has begun operations for 20 years under an agreement with Tilganga Eye Institute. Mental Health Support: WHO and Lions Clubs International Foundation will expand mental health care in Jordan and Nepal, including psychosocial support corners in 10 district hospitals. Malaria Update: Chitwan recorded 15 malaria positives in the last fiscal year, mostly among people returning from abroad. Public Health & Safety: Monsoon conditions are worsening with heavy rain and possible thunder/lightning in several provinces, raising risks for injuries and disease spread. Accidents: A bus crash in Nuwakot killed 2 and injured 3; another auto accident in Achham killed 1; and road accidents in India involved Nepali pilgrims with fatalities and a child in a hospital.

Urology & prostate health: A Kathmandu health explainer warns men over 50 not to ignore urinary trouble like frequent night urination, weak stream, or feeling the bladder never empties—often linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which can worsen sleep and quality of life and may lead to infections or kidney damage if untreated. Malaria watch in Chitwan: Fifteen people tested positive for malaria after 3,415 samples were checked; officials say most had returned from abroad, with prevention tied to mosquito control and sleeping under nets. Hospital accountability: Nepal’s Ministry of Health has started a hospital death registration system requiring doctors to record the initial, intermediate and final causes of death in a digital platform, with a unique identification number for families. Health insurance payments: Under Nepal’s health insurance scheme, NPR 3.56 billion has been paid to 376 facilities across districts for Magh–Falgun services. Seasonal illness rise: Hospitals report more viral fever and seasonal flu cases during monsoon; doctors advise urgent care for warning signs like severe headache, dizziness, persistent vomiting, or severe abdominal pain. Maternal health alarm (regional impact): An AP report says US foreign aid cuts led to maternal and newborn programmes shutting down in rural Nepal, with pregnant women and babies dying again after outreach stopped. Tourism with a health angle: Nepal’s tourism ministry says wellness tourism is set to enter university-level teaching, and it plans public-private partnership for Nepal Airlines. Policy on foreign travel: OPMCM says government staff must get permission before foreign visits and must share learning back at home offices. Gen Z agreement implementation: A committee has been formed to coordinate education, health and employment support for injured people and martyr families. Safety on the road: In Jharkhand, a bus carrying Nepali kanwariyas crashed into a stationary truck; at least three died (including a 10-year-old) and 10 were injured.

Health Insurance Payouts: Nepal’s health insurance scheme has paid NPR 3.56 billion to 376 facilities across districts, covering government, primary, municipal, eye, and private/teaching hospitals for Magh–Falgun services. Hospital Death Registration: The Ministry of Health has started a new system to disclose the real medical cause of death in hospitals nationwide, using a digital “Hospital Death Registration Management System” and a unique ID for easier death registration. Conflict-Affected Discounts: Former police personnel and conflict victims will get major treatment discounts at Kathmandu Medical College and Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, including full inpatient fee waivers for eligible families. Seasonal Illness Spike: Hospitals report rising viral fever and seasonal flu cases with monsoon-linked weather illnesses; doctors advise urgent care only when warning signs appear. Health Workforce Hiring: Madhesh Health Science Academy has called for contract specialists (professor to lecturer) across CTVS, pathology, anesthesia, and medical-surgical nursing. Care Access After Aid Cuts: An AP report highlights how US funding cuts to a maternal health programme in Nepal’s Rautahat led to newborn deaths returning after outreach workers stopped visiting homes. Road Safety Tragedy: In Jharkhand, a bus carrying Nepali “kanwariyas” crashed into a stationary truck, killing at least three (including a 10-year-old) and injuring 10. Tourism Meets Wellness: Tourism Minister Poudel says wellness tourism will be taught at NATHM levels and flags public-private operation for Nepal Airlines.

Landslide Disaster in Rolpa: Heavy rain-triggered landslides in Thawang Rural Municipality have killed at least seven people, with multiple others still missing; four deaths were later identified and injured survivors were taken to hospital as Nepal Army and police continue search-and-rescue. Maternal Health Shock from Aid Cuts: An AP investigation links a Nepali village’s return of newborn deaths to the US cutting funding for a maternal health programme, with outreach visits stopping and prenatal attendance dropping. Maternity Hospital Peak Season: Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital in Thapathali reports delivery numbers more than doubling during the mid-June to mid-September “delivery season,” with beds fully occupied and some patients temporarily shared to avoid turning people away. Healthcare Access & Safety: Nepal’s parliamentary work also faces strain, while separate reports highlight ongoing concerns around health services and public accountability. Sports Health & Harassment: A study on Nepalese female athletes finds sexual harassment and mental pressure occur across training, selection, and competitions, with the highest share reported during player selection. Public Health Awareness: Authorities urge people to watch for Japanese encephalitis risk as cases and deaths remain a concern.

Maternal Health Crisis: AP reports US foreign aid cuts have worsened pregnancy complications and increased deaths in Nepal, as nutrition and prenatal outreach programs shut down and birthing centers lost equipment and support. Medicine Supply Alarm: Nepal faces severe shortages of life-saving essentials, with hospitals struggling to get key drugs like anti-snake venom and cancer chemotherapy medicines such as cisplatin/carboplatin. Public Health Alert: Nepal’s health authorities urge people to watch for Japanese encephalitis risk, stressing mosquito-bite prevention and fast treatment for symptoms like high fever, stiff neck, and paralysis. Health System Appointments: New leadership is being installed across health institutions, including a chairman for the Ayurveda Medical Council and a director for Bir Hospital. Medical Education Protests: Resident and intern doctors have started nationwide protests against private medical colleges over withheld wages and alleged corruption in medical education. Disaster Updates (Landslides): Rolpa’s Thawang landslide response reports five dead and eight missing, while another Thabang incident has three deaths and nine missing. Policy Watch (Cannabis): Gandaki has passed a cannabis law for medicinal/industrial use, but key rules and standards still need to be drafted before licenses can be issued. Leadership Return: Ex-PM Sher Bahadur Deuba returned to Kathmandu after months abroad for treatment, amid ongoing legal and party disputes.

Health Workforce Gaps: Jajarkot’s only 50-bed hospital is struggling to function with just one specialist doctor, leaving six of seven specialist posts vacant and pushing patients to seek care outside the district. Public Health Supply: Nepal’s health facilities are running low or out of essential vaccines, medicines and supplements for months, including iron and folic acid for pregnant women and anti-snake venom, with monsoon season raising the stakes. Animal Health & Biosecurity: An inquiry into Nepal Central Zoo’s bird flu outbreak says delayed reporting, poor communication and weak biosecurity helped the virus spread, with the zoo staying open for days after a positive test. Parliament & Policy: The National Assembly unanimously passed the Infectious Animal Disease (Control) Bill, while lawmakers also pressed for transparent LPG import and distribution to end cooking gas shortages. Reproductive Health Regulation: A new National Assembly proposal seeks clear laws to regulate assisted reproductive technology, citing misuse risks like egg and sperm donation loopholes and weak oversight of ART providers. Medical Education: The Medical Education Commission published a corrected five-day integrated entrance exam schedule for MBBS, BDS, nursing and other health programs. Child Mental Health: Nepal’s education ministry held talks on neurodevelopment and child mental health services, focusing on early identification, therapy, inclusive education and scaling skilled support nationwide. Healthcare Safety: A microfinance victim in Kathmandu attempted self-immolation and was rushed to Bir Hospital after being rescued by police.

Medical Supply Crunch: Health facilities across Nepal are running short of essential vaccines, medicines and supplements for months, including iron and folic acid for pregnant women and anti-snake venom and anti-rabies vaccines—raising alarm as monsoon risks rise. Medical Education Under Pressure: The Medical Education Commission published a corrected five-day integrated entrance exam schedule (MBBS day 1, BDS day 2, BSc Nursing-Midwifery day 3, BAM/BMS/Pharmacy day 4, BPH day 5), while a “Medical Education Struggle Campaign” announced nationwide phased protests against irregularities and unpaid/withheld salaries for resident and intern doctors. LPG Shortage in Parliament: National Assembly lawmakers pressed the government to end “artificial” cooking gas shortages and make LPG import, sales and distribution transparent. Health Sector Safety: House of Representatives lawmakers demanded stronger legal protection for health workers after repeated attacks, arguing unsafe workplaces are pushing skilled staff abroad. Regional Health Funding: Nepal and India signed MoUs for eight high-impact community projects worth NPR 803 million, including digitalisation at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences and construction of hospital buildings in Sunsari and Dailekh. Monsoon Illness Watch: Viral fever and seasonal flu cases are rising in Kathmandu as monsoon intensifies, with Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital reporting heavy fever inflows. Child Health Crisis Abroad: MSF warns malnutrition is worsening among children in displaced camps in Baidoa, Somalia, with about half of under-fives showing malnutrition signs.

Hospital Safety & Workers’ Rights: Kathmandu’s Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital staff who manually segregate medical waste say they lack paid sick leave, hazard pay and protective support despite daily exposure to HIV, hepatitis and TB risks. Public Health Alert: Nepal reports 9 deaths and 46 infections from Japanese Encephalitis in Asar–Saun, with risk linked to high temperatures, stagnant water and mosquito breeding in Terai/inner Madhesh. Health Policy & Services: Nepal’s House of Representatives heard allegations of egg harvesting from a 17-year-old after financial lures and hormonal injections, with the case tied to a trafficking complaint and arrests that were later released on bail. International Cooperation (Health): India and Nepal signed MoUs for eight projects worth NPR 803 million, including digitalisation support for B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences and a 10-bed hospital in Dailekh. Food Safety: Bhutan tightened mango import testing after calcium carbide was found in consignments, raising residue health concerns. Nutrition & Livelihoods: Egg support prices in Chitwan rose after demand increased post bird-flu recovery, but farmers still say costs aren’t covered. Labour Rights: Nepal ratified two ILO instruments to strengthen protections against forced labour and improve workplace inspections. Climate & Health Risk: UN says July was the second warmest on record globally, with extreme heat and rainfall continuing to strain health and emergency services.

Japanese Encephalitis Alert: Nepal’s Department of Health Services reports 46 infections and 9 deaths in 55 days, with higher risk in Terai and inner Madhesh where stagnant water and Culex mosquitoes thrive. Food Safety Crackdown: Bhutan’s BFDA tightened mango import testing after calcium carbide was found in consignments, raising concerns about harmful residues. Health Insurance OPD Rules: BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences introduced a new system for OPD services under health insurance, including tighter ticket registration and scanning requirements. Breast Cancer Myths: A Nepal health explainer tackles common misconceptions—like perfume/deodorant causing breast cancer—and urges medical review for persistent symptoms or new lumps. Egg Prices & Farmer Strain: Nepal Layers Poultry Farmers Association raised egg support prices after demand picked up post-bird flu, but farmers say costs still aren’t covered. Para Sports Access Gap: Nepal’s para swimmers are preparing for the Para Asian Games despite shortages in pools, coaching, physiotherapy, recovery support, and transport. Menstrual Hygiene Push: A rural camp in Uttar Pradesh distributed free sanitary pads and awareness tools to keep girls in school and reduce health issues. Healthcare Under Attack: Reports highlight attacks and service disruptions at Palata Hospital, adding pressure on Nepal’s already strained care system.