Nepal’s Minister for Health and Food Safety, Neesha Mehta, has formalized performance contracts with the leadership of six major health science academies to enhance the quality of healthcare services during the fiscal year 2026/27. The agreements, signed on October 28, underscore the government’s commitment to addressing key issues such as hospital cleanliness, bed availability, wait times, and the overall standard of patient care.
The six institutions participating in the initiative include the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Rapti Academy of Health Sciences, and Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences. According to statements from Minister Mehta’s office, these performance contracts are designed to establish clear responsibilities and measurable targets for each academy.
The agreements place particular emphasis on maintaining hygiene standards within hospital environments and ensuring that patients have access to beds as needed. Reducing lengthy waiting times for treatment and fostering a more patient-centered approach among healthcare workers are also critical objectives. Minister Mehta highlighted the importance of delivering accessible, high-quality, and dignified healthcare services, urging institutions to implement governance practices that promote transparency and accountability.
“This initiative aims to create an environment where patients can reliably expect efficient and respectful healthcare,” Minister Mehta said during the signing ceremony. The contracts intend to translate institutional goals into tangible improvements that patients can directly perceive when seeking medical care.
In parallel with the academies’ agreements, Ministry Secretary Dr. Bikash Devkota has secured similar performance contracts with the administrators of 19 federal hospitals. This broader measure is part of a coordinated effort to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of Nepal’s public healthcare system across multiple levels.
Together, these agreements represent a strategic move by the Ministry of Health and Food Safety to systematically improve service delivery and uphold institutional standards in Nepal’s health sector during the upcoming fiscal year.