Nepal Public Health Initiatives 2026

Nepal recorded 10,210 scrub typhus cases across 74 districts in the first 40 epidemiological weeks of 2026. Lumbini Province had the highest case count, while Gandaki had the highest incidence rate per 100,000 people.

Salyan recorded 56 new scrub typhus cases in a single day, taking the district total to 606 cases. Health authorities said nine people have died in the outbreak and continued camps, testing and investigations were under way.

Nepal recorded 9,923 scrub typhus cases and seven verified deaths across 74 districts in the first 10 months of 2026. Lumbini Province had the highest burden with 2,779 cases, and Dang was the most affected district with 624 cases.

Salyan reported nine scrub typhus deaths in six weeks, with nearly 600 infections across the district. An investigation team from the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division arrived to probe the outbreak as testing and treatment were stepped up.

Nepal has recorded more than 9,000 scrub typhus infections since January, with over 2,718 new cases in the previous month and 74 districts affected. Salyan’s Darma Rural Municipality reported more than 600 infections and eight deaths, underscoring the scale of the outbreak.

Kavrepalanchok reported 41 confirmed dengue infections over the previous two months, with Panauti Municipality recording the highest number of cases. Officials urged residents to remove stagnant water and breeding sites as monsoon-related transmission continued.

Health screening camps in Salyan detected scrub typhus in 88 people across Darma, Kumakh, Kalimati and Bagchaur local levels, with Darma reporting 54 cases. Provincial health authorities sent about 800 kits and medicines, plus another 450 kits for further testing.

Rainfall and the monsoon drove a nationwide rise in Japanese encephalitis, dengue, cholera, diarrhea and scrub typhus. Health authorities intensified vaccination, surveillance and emergency preparedness as deaths from Japanese encephalitis, dengue and snakebite continued to rise.

Rainfall and the monsoon drove a nationwide rise in Japanese encephalitis, dengue, cholera, diarrhea and scrub typhus. Health authorities intensified vaccination, surveillance and emergency preparedness as deaths from Japanese encephalitis, dengue and snakebite continued to rise.

Health authorities sent 1,000 test kits and medicines to Salyan after scrub typhus deaths rose and positive cases climbed to 114 in Darma Rural Municipality. The support was meant to sustain expanded testing and treatment in affected wards.

Lawmakers and health officials raised alarm over a scrub typhus outbreak in Darma Rural Municipality, Salyan, where seven patients under treatment had died in the past month. The Health Ministry said it was distributing rapid test kits, preparing medicines and coordinating with local bodies to contain the spread.

Experts warned that flood-affected areas in Nepal could face diarrhea and outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and E, leptospirosis, dengue and scrub typhus for weeks to months unless safe water, sanitation and surveillance are restored. The warning followed cases emerging in areas such as Rasuwa after recent flooding and landslides.

Karnali Province Chief Minister Mangal Bahadur Shahi ordered an urgent scrub typhus response in Darma Rural Municipality, including 1,000 more test kits, medicines, doctors and health workers. Health camps and expanded monitoring were also being prepared in the most affected wards.

Seven people died of scrub typhus in Darma Rural Municipality of Salyan in the past month, and officials said new cases were still being detected daily. Health workers expanded testing and treatment as local institutions reported kit shortages.

A specialized medical team was dispatched to Baglung to investigate and contain the dengue outbreak. The team is collecting samples, testing insects and studying which dengue strain is spreading to support a long-term response.

Koshi Province had 793 confirmed dengue cases across 13 districts as of September 19, with Jhapa reporting 228 cases and Sunsari 203. Hospitals also reported 51 probable and two suspected dengue patients, underscoring continued spread in the province.

Lawmakers, health experts and legal advocates backed a parliamentary motion to extend maternity leave in Nepal to six months and introduce 42 days of paternity leave. Speakers at a FWLD event said the change should be turned into law to improve maternal and infant health and breastfeeding support.

Nepal prepared a Japanese encephalitis vaccination campaign in Jhapa targeting more than 500,000 people from September 21 to October 1. Officials said 570,000 doses had arrived and 900 vaccination centers would be set up across 131 wards.

Health officials said Nepal was preparing adult Japanese encephalitis vaccination drives in high-risk areas of Kailali and in Jhapa district. The move followed rising infections and deaths among unvaccinated adults.

A government expert team was deployed to Baglung to investigate and control the dengue outbreak, which has infected 1,403 people since last August. The team is collecting samples, visiting households and monitoring Dhaulagiri Hospital and testing kits for a long-term response.

Nepal’s dengue infections reached 5,238 cases across 74 districts, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division. Authorities warned of further spread during and after the rainy season as control efforts intensified in hard-hit districts.

Lawmakers and rights activists in Kathmandu urged effective implementation of the Right to Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health and called for maternity leave to be extended from 98 days to at least six months. The proposal was framed as a way to improve mothers’ wellbeing and child health, keeping pressure on parliament to advance the reform.

Udayapur recorded 49 dengue infections in the first two months of the fiscal year, surpassing the 46 cases seen in the entire previous year. Trijuga Municipality is preparing a district-wide campaign to find and destroy mosquito breeding sites as cases rise.

Koshi Province reported 793 confirmed dengue cases as of September 19 across 13 districts, with Jhapa the hardest hit at 228 cases and Sunsari at 203. Health officials called for urgent mosquito-breeding-site destruction campaigns as the outbreak spread regionwide.

The Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene registered three amendment bills in the Parliament Secretariat after Council of Ministers approval. The bills would update laws on safe motherhood and reproductive health rights, health worker and institution security, and breast milk substitutes.

Baglung reported Nepal’s highest dengue caseload at 1,403 cases since mid-July, while scrub typhus infections rose to 282 from five last year. Authorities stepped up mosquito-breeding site destruction campaigns as new cases continued to arrive daily at Dhaulagiri Hospital.

Kavrepalanchok district reported 32 dengue cases from Shrawan 1 to Ashwin 1, with Banepa and Panichkal municipalities each recording 13. Health officials urged residents to prevent mosquito breeding and seek testing if symptomatic.

Nepal’s proposed amendment to the Safe Motherhood and Reproduction Health Rights Act would grant six months of maternity leave and 42 days of paternity leave. The proposal also seeks stronger safe-motherhood protections, including respectful maternity care and protection against violence toward pregnant and postpartum women.

Nepal proposed amending the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act to provide six months of paid maternity leave and 42 days of paid paternity leave. The bill also adds measures to strengthen maternity care and protect pregnant and postpartum women from violence, and it is headed for Cabinet review before Parliament.

Gandaki Province recorded 2,311 dengue cases across 10 districts in nine months, with Baglung reporting the highest caseload and 1,403 infections since mid-July. Health officials launched search-and-destroy campaigns in affected areas to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

Japanese encephalitis deaths in Nepal rose to 26, with 121 confirmed cases across 36 districts in all seven provinces. All fatalities were reported among unvaccinated patients, underscoring the gap in adult coverage.

Nepal’s government proposed amending the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act to provide at least six months of paid maternity leave and up to 42 days of paid paternity leave. The bill is being prepared for Cabinet review before being tabled in Parliament.

Nepal’s government said it is preparing an amendment to the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act that would give mothers at least six months of paid maternity leave and fathers up to 42 days of paid paternity care leave. Law Minister Sobita Gautam said the proposal will go to the cabinet before being tabled in parliament.

Nepal prepared a bill to amend the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act, 2075 for submission to parliament. The proposal would give mothers at least six months of paid maternity leave and fathers 42 days of paid paternity care leave.

A report said Nepal recorded 243 maternal deaths in fiscal year 2081/082, renewing scrutiny of the underfunded Mother Protection Program. It also cited a woman who gave birth outside Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital and another who delivered on the way to a health post, underscoring persistent gaps in emergency maternity care.

Babita Kumari Paswan’s delivery on the pavement outside Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital drew nationwide outrage after reports said she was denied admission for not being able to pay. The case prompted parliamentary criticism and multiple investigations into maternity service delivery in Nepal.

Three committees began investigating the Rajbiraj roadside childbirth after the woman left Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital and delivered outside the facility. Investigators are questioning the woman, her relatives and on-duty health workers, and six staff members remain suspended.

Reports said Babita Kumari Paswan delivered a baby boy on a pavement outside Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital after her family could not afford investigation fees. The hospital suspended six people, including Dr. Usha Dev, while the probe continues.

Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital suspended six employees after the roadside birth case drew attention on social media. The hospital also formed committees to investigate the incident pending final reports.

The government ordered an investigation into the Rajbiraj hospital birth incident and removed on-duty staff from work pending review. A five-member team, including Nepal Medical Council Registrar Dr. Subhrapratap Shrestha, arrived in Rajbiraj for an on-site inquiry.

Health Minister Nisha Mehta ordered an investigation after a woman gave birth on a sidewalk outside Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital in Rajbiraj. A five-member ethics committee and a ministry team were sent to examine the case, with legal action promised if staff were found responsible.

Babita Kumari Paswan gave birth on a pavement outside Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital in Rajbiraj after her family said they could not afford blood tests. The video spread on social media and the hospital later brought the mother and newborn back for free examination and treatment.

An opposition lawmaker raised the Rajbiraj hospital birth incident in the House of Representatives, saying Babita Paswan was forced to deliver outside Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital because her family could not pay the Rs 3,200 bill. The case put Nepal’s free maternity-care coverage and hospital accountability back under scrutiny.

Hospitals across Nepal reported shortages of anti-rabies vaccines and key cancer medicines, with patients facing treatment delays and referrals as stocks ran low. Importers and health officials blamed outdated price rules and slow procurement for the shortages.

Nepal’s August floods killed more than 1,000 people, left over 4,400 missing and damaged at least six health facilities across several districts. The disaster also disrupted road access to care and raised risks of water-borne disease, respiratory infections and interrupted treatment.

UNFPA and the World Health Organization launched a two-year initiative in Nepal to strengthen sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services across 20 municipalities in three provinces. The six million dollar programme is backed by Norway, Switzerland and the Government of Nepal.

Nepal reported 80 laboratory-confirmed Japanese encephalitis cases across 59 local units in 25 districts, with 21 deaths. Officials said 86 percent of confirmed patients and all fatalities were among unvaccinated people.

Nepal reported 80 laboratory-confirmed Japanese encephalitis cases across 59 local units in 25 districts, with 21 deaths. Officials said 86 percent of confirmed patients and all fatalities were among unvaccinated people.

Health officials in Jhapa prepared an emergency Japanese encephalitis vaccination drive for adults over 30 after six of 10 patients in the district died. The outbreak had spread across all seven provinces, underscoring the low vaccination coverage among affected adults.

Nepal’s Japanese encephalitis outbreak has killed at least 21 people and infected 59 in six weeks, with most severe cases among unvaccinated adults. Health officials are considering expanding the free vaccination programme beyond children, but funding remains a major hurdle.

Nepal marked World Mosquito Day with prevention messaging focused on mosquito-borne diseases including malaria, dengue, filariasis and Japanese encephalitis. Officials said climate change and urbanization are pushing risk into hill and mountain districts, while the Search and Destroy campaign for dengue continues.

An article argued that Nepal’s health gains have been undermined by weak governance, hospital overloads, supply shortages, and disrupted routine services since COVID-19. It called for stronger coordination, local accountability, data-driven decisions, and more effective insurance and quality standards to improve outcomes.

Health Minister Nisha Mehta said a trauma unit will start immediate operations at Lahan Hospital in Siraha to treat highway accident victims. She also said health insurance payments have been cleared up to Falgun and that anti-snake venom will be distributed nationwide starting Sunday.

Baglung district recorded 289 dengue cases in a month, surpassing last fiscal year's total of 250. Health authorities expanded testing and urged residents to remove stagnant water and avoid mosquito bites.

Nepal reported 2,844 dengue cases from 74 districts between January 1 and August 15, along with two verified dengue-related deaths. The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division launched a three-month awareness campaign and fortnightly assessments in high-risk areas.

Chitwan recorded two local dengue cases and six local scrub typhus infections in July, with monthly totals rising to four dengue cases and 34 scrub typhus cases when outside patients are included. The Public Health Office launched a Search and Destroy Larva campaign in Ichchakamana Rural Municipality and said 178 people had been tested for dengue so far this month.

Hospitals in Madhesh Province are still unable to provide snakebite medicine, disrupting treatment and forcing some patients to seek care elsewhere. A fresh anti-rabies vaccine shipment is expected to last about 3 to 4 months, but officials said budget delays and low funding are keeping shortages recurring.

Five of nine confirmed Japanese encephalitis patients in Jhapa died over four months, with cases reported in Mechinagar, Haldibari, Bahradashi, Kachankawal, Birtamod and Arjundhara. Officials warned older adults and people near rice fields and waterlogged areas were especially vulnerable.

Five people had died from Japanese encephalitis in Jhapa over four months, from nine confirmed infections in the district. Health officials urged vaccination and mosquito-bite prevention, especially for older residents.

Nepal’s hospitals are facing severe shortages of life-saving medicines, including anti-snake venom and cancer drugs such as Carboplatin and Cisplatin. The Health Ministry said it is using reverse pooling and procurement plans, but supply gaps persist nationwide.

Government health facilities across Nepal reported shortages of essential vaccines, medicines and supplements after prolonged procurement and supply failures. The gaps included iron and folic acid, anti-snake venom and JE vaccines, raising risks of preventable illness and deaths.

Nepal reported 9 Japanese encephalitis deaths and 46 confirmed infections in 55 days, with spread concentrated in the Terai and inner Madhesh. Officials urged vaccination and mosquito precautions as the outbreak widened.

Nepal reported at least 9 Japanese encephalitis deaths and 37 infections in less than a month, with officials warning the toll could climb as peak season approaches. The government allocated Rs460 million for vaccination in 11 high-burden districts, but the campaign will not start until next year.

WHO’s South-East Asia Regional Office announced it will honor Nepal Netrajyoti Sangh with the Public Health Champion Award for its five decades of blindness prevention work in Nepal. The recognition cites a long track record of eye treatment and surgeries, but it does not change the core outbreak response timeline.

Gavi proposed a USD 39.6 million vaccine support package for Nepal, plus USD 18.06 million in cash grants for 2027–2030, with Nepal expected to co-finance USD 17.1 million. The talks focused on sustaining the national immunization programme over the long term.

Nepal and Gavi held high-level talks in Kathmandu on cooperation for 2027-2030, including vaccine support, co-financing, and immunization sustainability. Gavi proposed vaccines worth $39.6 million and cash grants of $18.06 million, with Nepal expected to co-finance $17.1 million.

The Ministry of Health and Population said it will clear all remaining health insurance dues by mid-August after verification and is tightening controls on payments to private hospitals. Officials also said they are preparing reforms to expand coverage and make the insurance system more sustainable, including possible mandatory coverage for formal-sector employees.

Nepal reported progress on several health indicators, including hepatitis B control, filariasis, fertility rate, antenatal care, malaria, kala-azar, neglected tropical diseases, and under-five mortality. Officials said maternal and neonatal mortality, tuberculosis, dengue, and out-of-pocket spending remain major gaps.

A parliamentary committee heard that Nepal’s health sector is in serious condition, with leadership vacancies, stalled procurement, equipment failures, and doctor shortages affecting public hospitals. The remarks cited Bir Hospital, Bheri Hospital, and shortages in Karnali as examples of weakened service delivery.

Hospitals and snakebite treatment centres across Nepal reported critical shortages of anti-snake venom during peak snakebite season, with stocks exhausted in parts of Madhesh and Lumbini. Health officials said at least 53 people had died and 716 had been hospitalised since May 14.

Nepal's National Human Rights Commission recommended amending the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act, 2075, to strengthen protections for women, including special provisions for rural and remote areas and emergencies. The commission sent letters to several government committees and ministries urging the changes.

The Medical Education Commission approved a NPR 6.55 billion budget for fiscal year 2026/27, allocating NPR 5.99 billion from the government and NPR 560.4 million from internal revenues to support medical education and health sector development.

A health economics fellowship began in Dhulikhel to train government officials in translating evidence into policy communication, supporting Nepal's universal health coverage goals with international technical assistance.

Gavi decided not to seek repayment of USD 308,271 from Nepal and will adjust the amount against future support under Gavi 6.0. The arrangement followed discussions during the World Health Assembly and supports Nepal’s immunization program.

Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Centre resumed indoor services under Nepal's government health insurance scheme after suspensions due to dues disputes, supported by a Rs25 billion reimbursement.

Several major health institutions in Nepal are functioning under acting leadership due to delayed official appointments by the Ministry of Health, impacting strategic decisions and service quality.

Nepal's Ministry of Health launched the Social Service Unit Program to provide free or subsidized healthcare services to vulnerable groups across 94 hospitals nationwide, supporting equitable access as outlined in Article 35 of the Constitution.

Seven Nepali startups launched digital platforms addressing healthcare, education, agriculture, and finance challenges, including Aashirbad Care which provides doorstep medical and caregiving services for seniors in Kathmandu Valley. These innovations emerged from the 'Code for Impact' hackathon featuring 190 companies.

Nepal addresses rural osteoporosis with a mobile diagnostic van offering bone density scans and specialist video consultations, increasing early detection and treatment in remote hill areas. This approach has screened thousands and improved bone density for over 22% of participants, reducing fractures and economic burdens.

Nepal's parliamentary committee mandated infrastructure, capacity, and nutrition enhancements in child correction homes nationwide, including relocating Rupandehi's facility to a new building and increasing daily allowances.

Nepal's Ministry of Health and Food Safety announced plans to increase domestic production of essential medicines from 11 to 36 types within two years, targeting chronic diseases including hypertension and diabetes. The initiative includes expedited research, quality testing, licensing, and budget allocation for procurement by public health institutions.

Nepal's Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene plans for Nepal Drug Limited to domestically produce 36 essential medicines within two years, including treatments for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, to reduce import dependence.

Nepal Ausadhi Limited and the Ministry of Health moved to formalize an agreement to expand domestic production of essential medicines from 11 to 36 types within two years. The plan includes medicines for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, supporting import reduction and self-reliance.

Nepal has only 141 registered heart disease specialists among 13,034 specialist doctors while heart disease cases rise rapidly, with only 2,000-2,500 of the estimated 80,000 needed annual heart surgeries performed.

A three-month dengue awareness campaign commenced, covering Shrawan, Bhadra, and Ashwin months, promoting community coordination and weekly mosquito breeding site cleanups under the 'Every Friday, Clean Friday' program.

Reliable Nepal Life Insurance Limited donated Rs. 5 million to the Kathmandu Institute of Child Health to aid development of a multi-specialty children's hospital focusing on pediatric heart disease, cancer, mental health, and intensive care. This contribution supports pediatric healthcare infrastructure expansion.

Over 2,200 underprivileged people have received free treatment through Nepal's government-run health portal, which now registers 238 hospitals providing real-time data on free beds and blood availability for poor patients.

Nepal's government introduced a 3% health equity fee on all private healthcare services from July 1, increasing patient costs. Fees collected from private hospitals, labs, and medical colleges will fund improvements in health access and infrastructure.

UNFPA and Panasonic donated 198 solar lanterns to health facilities and female community health volunteers in Jajarkot and Rautahat districts to ensure climate-resilient maternal and newborn healthcare during power outages and emergencies.

Nepal and the United Nations launched a joint three-year program to strengthen mental health services and expand access, focusing on Karnali, Lumbini, and Madhesh provinces. The initiative is supported by multiple UN agencies and funded by Switzerland.

Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chief Whip Khushbu Oli criticized Nepal's health system and burn treatment management, questioning the Prime Minister's Office directive for burn wards and proposing Kirtipur Burn Hospital as a National Training Center.

Multiple self-immolations by youth in Nepal underscored systemic governance failures, punishing policies, and widespread social grievances, drawing parallels with protests sparked by Mohamed Bouazizi.

Opposition lawmaker Parshuram Tamang claimed Nepal's health insurance program is a failure, citing that only about 20% of the population has access despite government claims of 51%. He also raised concerns about economic control by around 100 families creating conflicts of interest.

Burn injuries have escalated as a significant public health issue in Nepal, with many patients lacking timely treatment and requiring travel to India for care. Kirtipur Burn Hospital manages complex cases including fire, scalds, chemical, acid, and electrical burns, emphasizing the need for immediate first aid and specialized treatment.

Nepal reports over 37,000 burn injury cases with only 13 registered plastic surgeons specializing in burn treatment nationwide. Government plans include establishing burn wards and expanding intensive burn treatment capacity, addressing infrastructure gaps especially outside Kathmandu.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah ordered specialized burn care centers to be established in all seven provinces and mandated private hospitals to provide at least 10 percent of outpatient services free or discounted for underprivileged citizens. The directive also emphasized clean management, good governance, and digital technology in healthcare.

Nepal's National Planning Commission began preparing 'Vision 2050', a 25-year development roadmap emphasizing evidence-based policies, project monitoring, and structural reforms to accelerate national progress and improve project prioritization.

Health Minister Nisha Mehta directed the nationwide expansion of mental health services across federal, provincial, and local levels, emphasizing public awareness and integration of services. The campaign will engage community health volunteers, schools, NGOs, and digital media to increase mental health support.

Kala-azar cases in Sudurpaschim Province decreased from 63 in 2023 to 13 by mid-2026 due to expanded treatment services, free medications, sandfly monitoring, and awareness campaigns, supporting Nepal's goal to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis by 2026.

Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs expanded the toll-free disaster hotline 1234 to all 77 districts to improve emergency rescue and response operations during disasters. This expansion aims to enhance coordination across federal, provincial, and local levels.

Two self-immolation incidents years apart by Premprasad Acharya and Ganesh Nepali emphasized ongoing systemic government failures in Nepal and citizens' struggles to earn a living, despite multiple governmental changes.

The draft National Policy on Senior Citizens 2026 designates families as primary caregivers for the elderly and tasks local governments with expanding community-based elderly care services, emphasizing geriatric and mental health care and chronic disease management.

The Nepal government pledged to cover all treatment costs for burn victim Ganesh Nepali, planning to transfer him to AIIMS in New Delhi once stabilized, amid critical health conditions and ventilator support.

With monsoon onset, Nepal sees increased fever cases linked to waterborne diseases such as dengue, scrub typhus, and typhoid, especially in Kathmandu. Mosquito populations are rising, and control measures are reported ineffective.

Foreign drug company inspections in Nepal have been suspended for three years, causing shortages of essential medicines including anti-rabies vaccine and cancer drugs. The Department of Drug Management awaits government approval to resume WHO Good Manufacturing Practice inspections to ensure medicine quality.

The government allocated Rs 96.377 billion for the health sector in fiscal year 2026/27, emphasizing commitments to constitutional health rights, hospital infrastructure completion, national health insurance, and essential medicines production.

Minister Sita Vadi announced a goal to eliminate street children in Nepal within the next fiscal year, approving the 'Street Children Special Protection Directive, 2082' to support rescue, rehabilitation, and family reunification efforts.

Creator Summit 2026 in Kathmandu urged digital creators and influencers to promote better nutrition, healthy lifestyles, and science-based public health awareness to combat malnutrition in Nepal.

Nepal's Health Insurance Board paid Rs 23.44 billion to hospitals, clearing all outstanding insurance claims up to mid-December 2025. Hospitals that had suspended services under the government insurance scheme have begun resuming operations.

Sanima Bank launched a nationwide CSR program providing health camps and nutrition support including check-ups and food packages for approximately 1,050 pregnant and postpartum women in seven provinces.

The Ministry of Health started broadcasting bird flu prevention messages through mobile ringtones nationwide, advising hygiene and caution in handling poultry to prevent infection.

Dengue infection confirmed in 1,042 people with two deaths across 71 districts; government allocated over 30 crore rupees for dengue control and initiated mosquito population reduction campaigns.

The government directed all private hospitals and clinics in Nepal to establish breastfeeding rooms following the Breastfeeding Room Establishment and Operation Procedure, 2080.

Nepal launched the National Mental Health Strategy and Programme 2022 to prioritize mental health, though effective implementation and sustained training remain challenges.

The Nepal Medical Association warned against non-physicians practicing medicine and prescribing drugs via social media, urging the public to consult only registered medical doctors. The association cited legal prohibitions against unlicensed medical practice.

Cancer patients in Nepal rose from 15,187 to 28,678 over five years, with lung and cervical cancers most common; government offers HPV vaccination and treatment subsidies up to Rs 1 lakh.

The Health Ministry urged international aid agencies to increase funding as over 200,000 children under five suffer from acute malnutrition and wasting rates have risen to 9 percent.

Nepal's Ministry of Health reported over 10,000 vials of anti-rabies vaccine available nationwide with additional supplies incoming, ensuring continued rabies prevention and treatment.

Nepal's two-day public holiday policy has caused healthcare access challenges, overwhelming government hospitals on weekdays and increasing financial burdens on patients. The policy also affects education, with children lacking alternative creative activities during holidays.

Nepal's provincial governments allocated significant budgets for health infrastructure upgrades and service expansions in fiscal year 2026-27, focusing on hospitals, rural health access, and specialist care.

Nepal's Department of Health Services activated a nationwide alert and allocated over 30 crore rupees to prevent monsoon-related diseases such as cholera, dengue, and scrub typhus, with 200 health workers trained in epidemiological response.