Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nepal in improving its health system.
Faris Hadad-Zervos, the World Bank Country Director for Nepal, made the pledge during a meeting with Minister of Health and Population, Mohan Bahadur Basnet, on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Minister Basnet expressed his appreciation to the World Bank for its cooperation in various sectors, including health, and requested further financial and technical assistance in the future. In response, Zervos informed that the World Bank has consistently provided support to the health sector and shared that loan assistance of $100 million and a grant aid of $3.84 million for the health sector are in the pipeline for the next five years. He mentioned that the approval process for these funds is underway.
In addition, Zervos assured the health ministry of the World Bank’s continued cooperation during other epidemics and efforts to enhance the quality of healthcare, similar to the support provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Bank extended its cooperation to Nepal, including providing vaccines as grants.
On the occasion, Minister Basnet said that a portion of the funds provided by the World Bank during the pandemic has been saved, and that the Ministry was taking necessary steps to utilize the amount. He mentioned that the unused funds were returned to the Ministry of Health, considering the potential for other disease outbreaks like dengue, and the need to allocate funds for other sectors as well.
The Minister reported that approximately Rs 1 billion was saved from the funds provided by the World Bank during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thanks to Hon. Minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet @mohpnep for a productive meeting & his emphasis on robust program implementation to address the health aspirations of Nepalis. We discussed our #Nepal portfolio & look forward to further strengthening our partnership in the sector. pic.twitter.com/odo4BFLQVu
— Faris H. Hadad-Zervos (@WorldBankNepal) August 1, 2023
