Government to form task force to promote medical tourism

The government has decided to form a task force to promote medical tourism, with the goal of developing Nepal as a regional medical hub.

A meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Thursday decided to form the task force and begin work soon. The meeting was chaired by Jagadish Prasad Agrawal, health adviser to Prime Minister Balendra Shah. Secretaries from relevant ministries and directors and representatives of private hospitals took part.

The meeting discussed organizing this sector in a targeted way for foreign patients who come to Nepal for treatment, including building the necessary regulatory structure. Setting standards for hospital quality and patient safety was also on the agenda.

The meeting also discussed arranging medical visas for foreign patients and their companions. The initiative is expected to boost foreign currency earnings and reduce the need for Nepalis to travel abroad for treatment.