India Provides $2 Million in Medical Support to Nepal for Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease Patients
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Synopsis
In line with the Neighbourhood First Policy, India has sent $2 million in medical aid to Nepal for patients with thalassemia and sickle cell disease. This assistance includes vaccines and medicines, addressing critical health needs in the region.
Key Takeaways
- India's commitment to the Neighbourhood First Policy.
- Delivery of $2 million in medical aid to Nepal.
- First shipment includes 17,030 vials of vaccines.
- Long-term cooperation in health between India and Nepal.
- Notable health projects include a medical college and trauma center.
New Delhi, April 25 (NationPress) In alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Neighbourhood First Policy, India has dispatched medical assistance valued at $2 million to Nepal to support patients afflicted with thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
“Reaffirming India's commitment to the Neighbourhood First Policy, India has sent aid comprising medicines and vaccines for patients experiencing Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease worth $2 million, in response to a request from Nepal,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, on X.
“The first shipment of 17,030 vials of vaccines for the immunization of patients with Thalassemia was delivered to Nepal,” he added.
As neighboring nations, India and Nepal engage in extensive and multifaceted cooperation, particularly in health. A significant health initiative includes the establishment of a 50-seat medical college and a 350-bed hospital at the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Dharan.
Other notable projects encompass the creation of the Nepal Bharat Maitri Emergency & Trauma Centre (completed in 2008) and the construction of a 5-storey OPD cum Ward Block with facilities to accommodate 2,500 patients at Bir Hospital, Kathmandu (completed in 1985).
The former is the inaugural trauma center with AIIMS-like specialized facilities in Kathmandu.
The ongoing health sector collaboration also includes the provision of medical equipment.
In 2023, India supplied 200 Kidney Dialysis Machines and 50 Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems to the Government of Nepal. Additionally, the Bhabhatron II Radiotherapy Machine along with its simulator was handed over to Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital in 2024.
As per the MEA, Nepal was among the first nations to receive the ‘Made in India COVID-19’ vaccine on January 21, 2021, facilitating Nepal's nationwide vaccination campaign. India also provided critical medical supplies (23 tonnes) during the early phase of the pandemic.
Earlier this month, Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli remarked that he had “extremely fruitful and positive” discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.
“Had a productive meeting with Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli in Bangkok. India places great importance on relations with Nepal. We discussed various aspects of India-Nepal friendship, particularly in sectors including energy, connectivity, culture, and digital technology. We also reviewed some key positive outcomes from this year’s BIMSTEC Summit, especially in terms of disaster management and maritime transport,” PM Modi posted on X following the meeting.
