Dr. Deuba's request to AIIMS

During a visit to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) yesterday, Doctor (Dr) Arju Rana Deuba requested the preparation of necessary manpower and help in building the infrastructure as a 'dedicated' hospital is also needed in Nepal.

In an interaction with the experts of the institute, Dr. Deuba said that there was a need to establish an institution like AIIMS in Nepal and develop it institutionally, adding that she would talk to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about this. Despite maternal mortality rate and infant mortality rate in Nepal reducing, the problem is still a persists, she said.

Dr. Deuba, who is also a central member of the Nepali Congress, has been working in the field of safe motherhood and child health in Nepal for three decades. She has been conducting special campaigns in different parts of the country by introducing national and international practices to reduce maternal and infant mortality which is seen as a challenge in Nepal. During Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's official visit to India, Dr. Arju Rana Deuba is also currently in New Delhi, India.

Accepting Dr. Deuba's request, Professor Dr. Nina Khanna, Acting Director of AIIMS, said that necessary initiatives will be taken in this regard soon. She said that she was happy to welcome Nepali experts including Dr. Deuba, who is Nepal's first woman and has a long experience in the field of safe motherhood.

Dr. Ram Padarth Bichha, Health Advisor to the Prime Minister, who has obtained MBBS and MD degrees from AIIMS, said that the Government of India has expanded the services of AIIMS in 12 different states. He said that there is a possibility of preparing skilled manpower in the field of safe motherhood and child health, collective research, exchange of experiences and cooperation in good practice.

Private Secretary to the Prime Minister Prakash Bahadur Deuba, Private Doctor of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers Dr. Shail Rupakheti and Deputy Chief of Staff Revati Poudel were present on the occasion. AIIMS Medical Superintendent Dr. DK Sharma, Dr. Neerja Bhatla, Dr. Aarti Vij, Dr. Kalol Roy, Dr. Nina Malhotra, Dr. Vatsala Dadwal, Dr. Garima Dadgawat and Dr. Anup Dagal were among the senior physicians and officials present.