AGP Executive Report

Neonatal Care Gains: Thapathali’s Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital says neonatal deaths have dropped by more than two-thirds in five years after new newborn-care measures, with the rate falling from about 8 per 1,000 live births to around 2.5%. Maternal-Child Health: Nepal’s Public Health Office Kathmandu has set up a breastfeeding room at Teku to support staff and health workers, alongside efforts like breastfeeding week activities and milk bank expansion. Health Worker Safety: Kalikot’s Palata Hospital faced an assault on doctors and nurses; police detained three suspects and the Nepal Medical Association demanded strict action under the Health Workers and Health Institutions Protection Act. Public Health Recognition: Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh is set to receive WHO South-East Asia’s Public Health Champion Award for decades of blindness prevention and eye-care services. Disease Alerts: Rabies has been confirmed in Panchthar after an outbreak killed livestock and domestic animals, prompting veterinary vaccination plans. Snakebite Risk: As monsoon peaks, NDRRMA reports 768 snakebite cases across 64 districts since mid-April, with 56 deaths—urging fast hospital treatment. Policy Watch: Gandaki province has legalized medical cannabis cultivation and use under provincial supervision, while national law still bans it. Wellness Tourism: Nepal launched a National Wellness Tourism Strategy and action plan to position the country as a wellness destination.

Public Health Recognition: Nepal Netrajyoti Sangh is set to receive the WHO South-East Asia “Public Health Champion” Award for its five-decade work reducing avoidable blindness and expanding equitable eye care. Healthcare Safety: Nepal Medical Association condemned the assault on doctors and nurses at Palata Hospital in Kalikot; police have taken three accused under control and investigations are underway. Maternal & Child Health: Kathmandu Public Health Office inaugurated a breastfeeding room at Teku, with plans to support staff and health workers across all 11 local levels; it also highlighted breastfeeding support including a breast milk bank. Disease & Prevention: A rabies outbreak in Panchthar’s Phalgunanda has triggered a veterinary response, including field assessments and vaccination guidance after confirmed cases in animals. Nutrition & Wellness Policy: Nepal launched a National Wellness Tourism Strategy and action plan to position the country as a wellness destination blending nature, culture, and traditional healing. Health System Reform: The Health Insurance Board is set for reform under a “one-door” model and digitisation, with a hotline number planned soon. Community Health Risks: Monsoon peak conditions continue, while snakebite cases and deaths have been rising since mid-April, urging faster hospital treatment. Regional Health Policy Shift: Gandaki province legalised cultivation and medical use of cannabis under provincial supervision, while national recreational use remains prohibited. Workplace Health: Rapti Health Sciences Institute invited applications for key vacant posts (Education President, Registrar, Dean, Director).

Hospital Appointments & Regulation: Dr. Ashish Govinda Amatya was appointed Director of Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center, and Dr. Harishsingh Thapa became Registrar of the Nepal Pharmacy Council—both took oath of office and secrecy at the Ministry of Health. Immunisation Funding Talks: Nepal and Gavi discussed 2027–2030 vaccine cooperation, with proposed vaccines worth $39.6m and cash grants of $18.06m, including Nepal’s co-financing plan. Service Delivery Pressure: Civil Hospital in New Baneshwor is reportedly turning patients away due to delays and poor OPD ticketing/QR issues, forcing early arrivals and leaving some without consultation. Medical Licensing Results: Nepal Medical Council’s special licensing exam saw higher failure among graduates from foreign medical institutions than those from Nepali colleges, with notable country-wise pass-rate gaps. Healthcare Workforce Action: A hunger strike by intern doctor Dilli Harijan at Bir Hospital entered ICU care as liver tests showed elevated bilirubin; a five-point agreement with government followed, but his condition remains a concern. Policy & Access: Health Minister Nisha Mehta met Lalitpur officials on disability-friendly health infrastructure, including a bridge near Mental Hospital Lagankhel. Public Health & Safety: Parliament MPs pressed government on inflation and cooking gas shortages, while Minister Gauri Kumari Yadav assured monitoring and supply steps.

Health Sector Labour Action: Nepal’s doctors and nurses have been cycling through hunger strikes and stoppages over safety, pay and working conditions, with Jyoti Ranabhat’s strike ending after a 19-point deal and earlier doctor protests tied to legal reforms for doctor protection. HIV Services Disruption: A US aid freeze has reportedly halted USAID-funded HIV prevention and outreach in Nepal, leaving key at-risk groups without pre-exposure prophylaxis and other targeted services. Injury Care & Accountability: The body of Sunsari’s Rabindra Kumar Mehta remains at TU Teaching Hospital for days as family and government negotiations stall over compensation and commitments. Public Health & Disease Surveillance: Kathmandu’s Central Zoo bird flu outbreak has renewed alarm over weak disease monitoring in national parks, with experts warning outbreaks may go undetected. Mental Health & Wellness: Experts urged yoga and meditation for health workers, framing it as a preventive and supportive approach to rising mental health stress. Regulation & Appointments: Dr Harishsingh Thapa was appointed Registrar of the Nepal Pharmacy Council, and Dr Ashish Govinda Amatya named Director of Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center. Weather: Monsoon rain is expected across Nepal with moderate rainfall in hills and possible snowfall in high mountains.

HIV Care Disruption: US aid freeze has left Nepal’s key HIV outreach and treatment services short, including pre-exposure prophylaxis for at-risk groups, raising fears of a rise in HIV and other STIs. Public Health & Access: Supreme Court orders interim support for displaced riverbank children in Kathmandu Valley—covering education, health, housing, textbooks, transport, and psychosocial counseling. Injury Response: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung says coordination is in place to treat people injured in the Gen Z movement, with health ministry discussions underway. Monsoon Preparedness: National Assembly member Kamala Panta presses for stronger monsoon disaster management—early warning, rescue plans, relocation, and supplies including food, medicines, and temporary housing. Hospital Demand: Kathmandu hospitals report more fever cases with rainy-season onset, urging people to treat fever as a symptom and seek proper diagnosis. Road Safety: One killed and 19 injured after a passenger bus crashed into the Gwarko flyover wall in Lalitpur; speeding suspected. Mental Health & Vulnerability: Two Nepali women (24) found hanging in Bengaluru’s Yelahanka; police are investigating suspected suicide amid financial and emotional distress claims. Mountain Tragedy: Nepal repatriated climber Pur Bahadur Gurung (“Yukta”) after the Broad Peak avalanche; recovery and repatriation logistics continue.

Broad Peak Tragedy: Pakistani army helicopters airlifted bodies of five climbers, including British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, to Skardu’s military hospital; two remain missing as recovery continues. Health System Reform: Nepal’s Ministry of Health outlined plans for a CDC model, Health Accreditation Authority and Food and Drug Authority, plus faster filling of health “pool vacancies” and incentives for remote postings. Health Insurance Push: Government says it will clear remaining health insurance dues by mid-August, with private hospital payments tightly controlled and costs managed. Hospital Teaching Expansion: Sudurpaschim approved four provincial hospitals as teaching hospitals under Martyr Dasharath Chand University of Health Sciences. Rising Fever in Kathmandu: Hospitals report more fever cases since the rainy season; doctors stress fever is a symptom and advise proper diagnosis, not self-labeling as seasonal flu. Parliament & Care Worker Concerns: MPs pressed for action on healthcare worker issues, including intern doctor allowances and stalled implementation of agreements after hunger strikes. Road Safety: A bus crash at Gwarko flyover killed one and injured 19, with speeding cited as a possible cause. Education & Scholarships: National University announced full-funded SAARC scholarships, highlighting urgent counselling needs after mass trauma. Civil Servants Salary Update: New salary scale for 2083/84 effective Shrawan 1 was published, with a 10% monthly incentive allowance.

Rabies Prevention: Nepal’s Department of Health Services has started distributing the first batch of anti-rabies vaccine to all provinces via Provincial Health Supply Management Centers, urging timely action since treatment is not possible once symptoms appear. Cannabis Policy: Gandaki province has legalized cannabis farming and medical use despite a national ban, requiring farmers to get provincial permission and face close monitoring. Pharmacy Regulation: Dr. Kadir Alam has been appointed Chairperson of the Nepal Pharmacy Council, with the health minister calling for stronger pharmaceutical services, professional regulation, and public trust. Health & Safety Response: The Cabinet decided compensation, relief, and medical treatment for families of those killed and injured in recent Sunsari and Siraha protests. Mountaineering Tragedy: Search teams recovered bodies of Nirmal Purja and three other climbers from Pakistan’s Broad Peak, bringing recovered deaths to seven, with Nepal-based vigils held in Kathmandu. Nepal–Korea Ties: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal urged expanded air connectivity and cooperation with South Korea, including trade, tourism, education, technology, and health.

Medical Cannabis Policy: Gandaki province legalized cannabis farming and medical use despite Nepal’s national ban, requiring farmers to get provincial permission and face close monitoring. Public Health & Nursing: Nurse activist Jyoti Ranabhat ended a hunger strike after a 19-point deal, including a 7-day working group to set pay and service facilities for nurses/midwives/health workers and hospital minimum service standards and patient safety. Maternal Care: Two women with life-threatening pregnancy complications were airlifted for emergency treatment under the National Women’s Empowerment Project. Health System Oversight: Lawmakers demanded a judicial committee to investigate Sunsari and eastern Madhes incidents and called for action against misinformation spreading communal tensions. Pharmacy Regulation: Dr Kadir Alam was appointed Chairperson of the Nepal Pharmacy Council. Sickle Cell Screening: Government launched free screening for newborns and pregnant women for sickle cell disease and thalassemia, with designated treatment centers and financial support. Conservation & Health Link: Nepal’s tiger count hit 429, but growth is concentrated in newer parks, raising concerns about shifting wildlife and human-wildlife conflict. Global Health Research: A China-wide study suggests hospital wastewater doesn’t inevitably drive antibiotic resistance in nearby waters when treatment and discharge controls are strong. Mountain Tragedy: Search teams recovered Nirmal Purja’s body and three others from Pakistan’s Broad Peak; Nepal held candlelight vigils for the victims.

Sickle Cell Push: Nepal’s Ministry of Health launched free newborn and pregnant-women screening for sickle cell disease and thalassemia, with specialized treatment centers named and plans for a national sickle cell registry. Snakebite Care: Health Minister Nisha Mehta says anti-snake venom supply is being coordinated across levels, with procurement underway to prevent shortages and urging faster, scientific treatment after bites. Nursing Crisis: Nurse Jyoti Ranabhat’s hunger strike has worsened; she was moved to Bir Hospital ICU, while the Nepal Nursing Association demands immediate implementation of earlier agreements on nurses’ rights and benefits. Health Sector Protests: Doctors and interns have also joined hunger strikes and sit-ins over pay, working conditions, and respect for health workers, as lawmakers press for reforms. Communal Violence Aftermath: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has started talks with the family of Rabindra Mehta, who died after Sunsari injuries; MPs are demanding a judicial committee to investigate Sunsari and Tarai-Madhes incidents. Water Stress in Madhesh: A parliamentary field study warns groundwater levels are dropping fast, wells and hand pumps are drying up, and women and marginalized groups face the harshest impacts. Gas Shortage Row: Kathmandu sees empty cylinder lines as a parliamentary committee questions distribution standards and claims there’s no market shortage—just failures in how gas is sold and allocated.

Nursing Rights Under Pressure: The Nepal Nursing Association demanded immediate implementation of past agreements on nurses’ professional rights and benefits, pointing to nurse Jyoti Ranabhat’s worsening health as she continues a hunger strike since July 28. Health Sector Protest Wave: Hunger strikes and sit-ins spread in Kathmandu over health and education sector demands, including intern doctors’ remuneration and nurses’ labor exploitation, with protesters warning the government is not offering long-term solutions. Maternal Emergency Support: The government says it provided free air rescue to 103 pregnant and postpartum women under the President Women Upliftment Programme, using the Air Rescue Procedure 2020 for life-threatening obstetric emergencies. Communal Violence Toll Rises: Another death was reported from the Sunsari Kaptangunj incident, bringing fatalities to three after Rabindra Mehta died in treatment at TU Teaching Hospital, as lawmakers also pushed for a judicial probe into Sunsari and Tarai-Madhes incidents. Gas Shortage Row: Parliament heard complaints of empty cylinder lines across Kathmandu, while officials argued there is no market shortage—blaming distribution and standards gaps instead. Snakebite Antidote Shortage: Hospitals and snakebite centres report critical anti-snake venom shortages, leaving victims at risk during peak season. Monsoon Health Risk: DHM forecasts moderate to heavy rain with thunderstorms and possible heavy downpours in Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki, raising risks for injuries and emergency access. Medical Education Governance: MPs questioned delays in appointing vacant directors at the Medical Education Commission, warning that entrance exams and academic schedules are being disrupted. Regional Health Cooperation: A free eye camp in Bangladesh, supported by Nepali partners, delivered thousands of eye checks and cataract surgeries, with calls for easier access to Nepal’s eye care services.

Snakebite crisis: Nepal’s hospitals and snakebite treatment centres are running on empty as anti-snake venom stocks fail to reach facilities during peak season, putting hundreds of victims at risk. Nursing reform pressure: In Kathmandu, nurses continued protests and hunger-strike demands for minimum wages and an end to labor exploitation, with talks starting between nurse Jyoti Ranabhat’s team and the Ministry of Health. Water and health link: Madhesh’s drinking water and sanitation crisis is worsening as groundwater levels drop, drying hand pumps and also affecting health institutions and schools—prompting calls for a long-term plan. Access to care via court: Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered a kidney transplant for a Bhutanese refugee woman, reinforcing the right to health and dignity for people in state custody. Health system governance: The Supreme Court also heard a public interest petition seeking structural reforms in prisons and detention centres, including specialist health checks and suicide prevention protocols. Policy and public health: Lawmakers raised concerns over inflation and LP gas shortages, while the Gandaki marijuana bill for medicinal/industrial use was authenticated into law. Malnutrition support: UNICEF-backed ready-to-use therapeutic food is being delivered to remote Dolpa communities via last-mile mountain routes.

Nursing Crisis in Kathmandu: Nurses protesting in front of Bir Hospital marked the fifth day of nurse Jyoti Ranabhat’s hunger strike, demanding minimum wages and an end to labor exploitation; talks began with government representatives at the Ministry of Health. Prison Health & Rights: A Supreme Court petition seeks structural reforms in Nepal’s prisons and detention centers, including specialist health check-ups and suicide-prevention protocols, after reported deaths in custody. Kidney Transplant Access: The Supreme Court ordered a kidney transplant for a Bhutanese refugee woman, opening the door for non-Nepalis to receive transplants. Madhesh Water Emergency: A National Assembly committee report warns groundwater levels are dropping fast in Madhesh, with many hand pumps and wells drying up, driven by Chure damage and climate change. Inflation, LPG Shortage: Lawmakers pressed the government over soaring prices and LP gas shortages, accusing weak supply and market oversight. Snakebite Care Gap: Hospitals in Dang report anti-snake venom shortages as rainy-season cases rise. Monsoon Weather Watch: Hydrology and Meteorology warns of moderate to heavy rain with thunder and lightning in parts of Bagmati, Gandaki and Madhesh, with flash-flood and landslide risks. Broad Peak Tragedy: Bodies of four climbers, including Nirmal Purja, were recovered near 5,700m as recovery efforts continue.

Broad Peak Tragedy: Nepal-born British mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja and his 10-member team were confirmed dead after a Pakistan avalanche on Broad Peak; rescuers recovered bodies at high altitude and continued retrieval amid hazardous conditions. Snakebite Care Gap: Hospitals in Dang reported a shortage of anti-snake venom, with treatment centers running low as rainy-season cases rise. Nursing Crisis: Professional health groups urged the government to hold immediate dialogue over nurse Jyoti Ranabhat’s worsening health during a hunger strike, demanding practical implementation of reforms. Adolescent Health Progress: A new report says Nepal cut adolescent pregnancy and childbirth rates by 35% over two decades, positioning the country as a South Asia positive outlier. Religious Harmony Deal: A 13-point agreement was signed between the government and Hindu organizations, including steps on sound limits at worship sites, social peace measures, and handling of related cases. Free Eye Care & Medical Expansion: Nepal’s minister inaugurated a free eye camp in Thakurgaon and said Thakurgaon Medical College admissions will start next year, with plans to expand eye camps to every upazila. Monsoon Risks: Meteorology forecasts heavy rain in multiple provinces, warning of landslides, floods, and disruptions to health services. Suicide Reporting Warning: WHO-linked guidance highlights the need for responsible media coverage to avoid harmful ripple effects from sensational suicide stories.

Broad Peak Tragedy: Nepal’s famed mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja and all nine other climbers were confirmed dead after an avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak; rescuers reached the site around 5,700m and recovery efforts continue under harsh conditions. Nursing Crisis: Nurse Jyoti Ranabhat’s hunger strike entered its fourth day with health deteriorating as she presses 15 demands for better pay and working conditions; she is reportedly being treated at Bir Hospital. Communal Violence in Sunsari/Madhesh: Three Hindus were killed after a clash during Kanwar Yatra; curfews and security crackdowns followed, while Home Minister Sudan Gurung personally led ground-level negotiations to restore stability. Suicide Reporting Ethics: WHO urged media to follow ethical guidelines on suicide coverage to avoid harmful ripple effects, stressing responsible reporting and less sensational details. Monsoon Watch: Nepal’s meteorology office forecasts heavy rain risk in hilly areas across Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali, with landslide and flood concerns. Eye Care Access: A free eye treatment camp in Thakurgaon was inaugurated with a pledge to expand similar camps to every upazila. Nutrition & Heart Health: Pomegranate was highlighted as a daily heart-supporting fruit, alongside practical post-meal habit tips for digestion and acidity.

Broad Peak Tragedy: Renowned British-Nepali climber Nirmal Purja (“Nimsdai”) and all nine other members of his 10-person expedition have been confirmed dead after an avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak; rescuers recovered bodies in harsh conditions and Nepal PM Balendra Shah offered condolences. Child Protection Drive: India’s Telangana police say Operation Muskaan-XII rescued 6,307 children in July, including 40 from Nepal, with 1,705 FIRs filed and 1,710 accused arrested. Health System & Rights: Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene formed three task forces after an agreement with the Nepal Medical Association, aiming to amend consumer protection and health-worker security laws and implement earlier commitments. Breastfeeding & Nutrition: World Breastfeeding Week begins amid declining breastfeeding indicators in Nepal, with exclusive breastfeeding at 56% (NDHS 2022) and concerns linked to higher C-section rates and mother-newborn separation. Digital Health/ID: Nepal is upgrading biometric infrastructure for national digital ID, with plans to support civil ID and voter registration integrations up to 10 million records. Market Watch: NEPSE fell 1.79% over the week, wiping out about Rs80 billion in market value as investors turned cautious.

Breastfeeding Week: World Breastfeeding Week kicked off with a push for “a sustainable start,” as Nepal’s exclusive breastfeeding rate for up to 6 months sits at 56% (NDHS 2022), with experts linking declines to more C-sections and mother–newborn separation after surgery. Public Health Supply: Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Food Safety is preparing a Kathmandu valley van to collect surplus human milk from mothers at home for the Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital human milk bank, aiming to meet high demand for vulnerable infants. Health Worker Safety: The Nepal Medical Association condemned the attack on doctors and health workers at Bhaktapur Hospital, calling for strict action under the Health Workers and Health Institutions Protection Act and zero tolerance for violence. Nutrition & Care: Hunger striker Jyoti Ranabhat’s health worsened; she was transferred to Bir Hospital after low blood pressure and dizziness, with negotiations ongoing. Communal Tensions: Curfews and dialogue efforts continue in Dhanusha and Siraha after communal violence, with essential services and movement rules for healthcare workers and patients. HIV Warning: UNAIDS warns that funding cuts could trigger a resurgence, even as new infections and AIDS deaths remain low. Mountain Tragedy: Search resumed for climbers missing after Pakistan’s Broad Peak avalanche; Nepal-born mountaineer Nirmal Purja is reported dead, with multiple bodies recovered. Local Services: Surkhet Postal Directorate begins home delivery of driving licenses, cutting travel and cost burdens for remote citizens. Market Watch: Nepse fell 1.79% amid cautious trading, with weekly turnover down 23.5%.