Government preparing to restructure three major health bodies

The government has started preparations to restructure health sector regulatory and public health structures by establishing three new bodies.

A Centre for Disease Control (CDC) is proposed for disease control and surveillance. A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposed to regulate medicines, food and other health products. A National Health Accreditation Authority (NHAA) is planned to measure and certify the quality of health institutions.

Secretary Dr Bikas Devkota of the Ministry of Health and Food Sanitation said a new model is being developed in line with the changing needs of the sector and international practice. He said the proposed CDC will be a modern version of the existing Department of Health Services.

The new structure will emphasise disease surveillance along with research, studies, academic work, national and international coordination, and evidence-based policymaking.