KATHMANDU, May 27: The Ministry of Health and Population has begun early preparations to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks expected during the upcoming monsoon season.
Recognizing the increased risk of infections and epidemics during monsoon-related disasters, Health Minister Pradip Paudel convened a preparedness meeting on Monday and announced six key decisions to ensure timely preventive measures.
Minister Paudel emphasized the importance of proactive planning, stating that the government must break from the trend of reacting only after disasters occur. He pledged full support to prevent any potential epidemic from escalating out of control.
The meeting resolved to immediately initiate preparedness through the Department of Health Services (DoHS), particularly via the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), which will identify high-risk areas and take steps to ensure sanitation and access to clean drinking water.
The National Health Education, Information and Communication Center (NHEICC) will begin distributing informational materials to promote hygiene practices and safe water consumption at the local level.
Ministry spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki said the EDCD will hold virtual meetings with rapid response teams from all local levels to assess readiness. The division will also update the roster of trained personnel in all seven provinces for deployment as needed.
Furthermore, the ministry will coordinate with the National Emergency Operation Center and the Health Emergency Operation Center (HEOC) to strengthen response mechanisms.
As part of longer-term reforms, the DoHS has been tasked with submitting a proposal within a week to amend the Infectious Disease Act, 1964, aligning it with current public health needs and disaster risks.