Dec 07, Kathmandu - Minister for Health and Population Dr Sudha Sharma Gautam has said that the government is preparing to continue the Post-SEE Nursing Course (PCL). Addressing a program organized after the inauguration of the Trauma Center and Compounding Pharmacy of Bharatpur Hospital today, she said that preparations have been started to run the PCL nursing program as the number of staff nurses required in the hospital is currently short.

Minister Gautam said, "We are working to allow large medical colleges with their own hospitals to offer nursing education after SEE." He mentioned that the government and the ministry are planning to start the education even if it is by adding one point through an ordinance. He said that the ministry is currently working to improve seven subjects thematically.

Minister Gautam informed that the focus is on mental health, workers' health, women's health and children's health in the service sector. He said that in the areas of reform, work is being done to improve health insurance, improve the quality of medicines and facilitate the procurement process to make it corruption-free.

Minister Gautam said, “We are preparing a report and making an action plan. The results will be out soon.” He recalled that he started his government job at Bharatpur Hospital and said that he was satisfied with the progress made here.

On the occasion, former Health Minister of Bagmati Province and Provincial Assembly member Uttam Joshi pointed out the need to move forward by making policy-level reforms for the improvement of the health sector. He said, “If government hospitals are to be improved, it is necessary to improve them at the policy level.”

At the program held under the chairmanship of Bharatpur Hospital Development Committee Chairman Raju Poudel, the hospital’s Chief Medical Superintendent, Prof. Dr. Krishna Prasad Poudel, provided information about the facilities and problems of the hospital.

Stating that Rs. 110 million was spent for the construction of the trauma center, Committee Chairman Poudel mentioned that Rs. 25 million was spent for equipment. According to him, the center has been started with 15 beds now and the target is to increase it to 50 beds in the coming days.