India to fund Rs 530 million for reconstruction of health posts

 Head of Development Partnership and Reconstruction wing of the Embassy of India in Kathmandu and Project Director of Central Level Project Implementation Unit (Building) of National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) today signed four Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) for reconstruction of total 25 health posts in Nepal.

Some 12 health posts are located in Dhading district and 13 are located in Sindhupalchowk district, a total of 25 health posts damaged during the 2015 earthquake will be reconstructed at a cost of Rs 530 million, according to a press note issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. 

On the same occasion, four contract agreements, award the work to successful bidders were also signed between CLPIU (Building) and Contractors, the press note reads, adding that the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI)-Roorkee -- a premier institute of India in the field earthquake-resilient reconstruction -- will be providing technical assistance during for the reconstruction. "These 25 health posts are the first batch of 147 health sector projects being reconstructed by NRA under the government of India reconstruction grant of $50 million for health sector in ten districts of Nepal."

The remaining projects are in advanced stage of tender process, it claimed. "The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, a premier institute, will provide technical hand-holding for construction of these health facilities." The health facilities will have OPD, dispensary, medicine store rooms, ante/post-natal room, bedrooms for duty doctors/ medical staff, kitchen and disable friendly sanitation facilities. 

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu also claimed that the government of India has been engaged with government of Nepal in strengthening the infrastructure facilities in the health sector. "Under government of India funded Small Development Projects (SDP) scheme, over 40 health posts, and health camps have been completed in Nepal since 2003." it claimed, adding that the government of India has also gifted over 823 ambulances to governmental, non-governmental, non-profit making organisations in Nepal since 1994. 

The Embassy press note also claimed that the government of India remains committed to continue its development partnership with Nepal which is long-standing, unwavering, unmatched and multidimensional in nature.