Good governance: The cure Nepal's health sector needs
Summary
Nepal’s health gains have been undermined by weak governance exposed during COVID-19, as hospitals were overwhelmed, supplies ran short and routine services were disrupted. The article argues that better coordination, data-driven decisions, local accountability and stronger insurance and quality standards are needed to improve health outcomes.
Key Points
- COVID-19 exposed the fragility of Nepal’s public health gains, with overwhelmed hospitals, shortages and disrupted services hitting poor and remote communities hardest.
- The article says Nepal needs a federal health system built on good governance, using data, accountability and regular reviews to turn plans into measurable results.
- It calls for integrated primary care, stronger local authority, participatory planning, better preparedness and improved health insurance to protect families in practice.
- Regional cooperation, certification standards and disciplined execution are presented as key parts of making health governance more effective across Nepal.
