Kantipur Television's 'Budget Debate' featured physician Dr. Bishal Dhakal, Kathmandu University professor Balchandra Louillet, International Education Provider Association (IPAN) President Laxman KC, and Hummus Hospital President RS Bhandari.
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Health and education stakeholders have said that the trend of going abroad for studies and treatment should end.
In Kantipur Television's 'Budget Debate' program, they said that the government should increase investment in quality education and health in Nepal.
They suggested that the private sector should collaborate with the private sector in areas where state investment is insufficient. The debate was attended by physician Dr. Vishal Dhakal, professor Balchandra Louillet of Kathmandu University, president of the international education provider organization IPAN Laxman KC, and president of HAMMAS Hospital RS Bhandari.
Physician Dr. Vishal Dhakal said that the state should pay special attention to the health security of citizens. 'Why do many patients from the Far Western Province go to India for treatment? Why is the number of people going to India for treatment from Kathmandu high?', he added, 'Why are citizens not trusting their government in health care?'
He pointed out that patients go abroad due to the lack of quality services in the government health sector and the lack of the above environment for the private sector. Dr. Dhakal suggested that the private sector should be reformed in a policy-based manner to create an environment for investment in the health sector. ‘Private hospitals are ready to provide health services available abroad in Nepal.’ The government should create an environment for that,’ he said.
Stating that only 5 percent of the budget is allocated to the health sector, he suggested that it be increased to at least 10 percent. ‘We have high expectations from the government after the Gen-G movement.’ Health services should be made pro-poor,’ he said, ‘Students and youth educated by the state, private sector and parents are going abroad. A policy is needed to stop that.’ He suggested that irregularities in the health sector should be stopped along with the budget increase.
Professor Louillet of Kathmandu University complained that the budget in the education sector was also inadequate. He said that it is insufficient as only around 10 percent of the budget should be allocated at least 20 percent. ‘The government’s investment is not sufficient. The return on the investment has not been achieved. The government has not been able to provide the necessary operating expenses to community schools,’ he said. He stressed the need to increase the budget for study, research and innovation in higher education as well. Professor Luitel suggested that if investment is insufficient, higher education should move forward in partnership with the private sector.
He said that the issue of how much investment will be made by the federal, provincial and local levels in the education sector should also be determined. ‘There is both confusion and hope with the new government. There is an expectation that university appointments will not be like the past. Leadership should be selected and developed on the basis of merit,' he said, 'autonomy should also be given.'
Hummus Hospital Chairman Bhandari opined that the government should reconsider its health policy in the budget debate. 'To get health services, the general public has to reach below the poverty line. Government hospitals are not capable of providing health services to all citizens,' he added, 'The government and the private sector should work together in the education and health sectors. We want to work together in cooperation with the state.' He suggested that the government should bring a private sector-friendly budget in the education and health sectors.
Chairman Bhandari said, 'The private sector can provide quality education and health at home. We are ready to make the necessary investments to end the situation of having to go abroad for treatment and going abroad to study.' For that, he pointed out that the government should change its policy and give guardianship to the private sector.
Chairman of the International Education Provider Organization (IEP) KC said that the state should prioritize the education and health sectors and create a budget. ‘Private sector investment is increasing from schools to higher education.’ However, the government’s priority is not seen in education and health. The government’s investment in education is insufficient,’ he said. ‘Where the government cannot invest, it can collaborate with the private sector and parents.’ We are ready for that.’
He said that since parental investment in higher education is increasing, it can be minimized. ‘Parental investment is increasing in students going to study abroad.’ If the government arranges concessional loans for students who want to study in Nepal, the investment can be reduced,’ said Chairman KC.
