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.

India builds Bhimsen Adarsha Higher Secondary School in Nawalpur

 The new building of Bhimsen Adarsha Higher Secondary School built with Indian financial assistance of Rs 25.83 million – under the Nepal-Bharat Maitri Development Cooperation – was jointly inaugurated via video-conferencing today by representatives of the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, District Coordination Committee (DDC), School Management Committee and local representatives, including students and faculty of the school.

According to a press note issued by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, the school located in Devchuli-07 of Nawalpur district was established in 1969 and offers classes till 10+2. “Over 55 per cent of the students of the school are girls,” it reads, adding that the construction of the school building, funded by India and implemented by Nawalparasi DCC, has three floors and includes 16 classrooms, labs, administration and staff rooms, meeting hall, canteen, medical room and sanitation facilities. “The new school building, constructed under the long standing High Impact Community Development Projects, earlier known as Small Development Projects (SDP), is another example of robust cooperation between India and Nepal in the education sector.”

The action complements the efforts of the government to improve physical infrastructure for learning, particularly in public schools, the press note reads.

Japan extends grant aid for implementation of economic and social development programme

Japan has extended grant assistance of up to three hundred million Japanese Yen (equivalent to Rs 333 million) to Nepal for the Economic and Social Development Programme.
Ambassador of Japan to Nepal Saigo Masamichi and joint secretary at the International Economic Cooperation and Coordination Division of Finance Ministry Shreekrishna Nepal, signed notes to this effect today.
The Covid-19 infection has rapidly increased over the world and affecting human lives as well as economic and social activities, furthermore the dignity of people, reads a press note issued by the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu.
Many countries have been trying to use their resources to take steps based on lessons learned in the past and cases of other countries to tackle the virus. Unfortunately, many also face difficulties to provide health and medical services, and this has already severely damaged economic and social activities and wellbeing of the people, it reads, adding that Japan has been working to archive the universal health coverage, however, the current crisis particularly affects countries with vulnerable health systems. “Therefore improvement of the health system of each country is essential.”
Based on awareness for the problems and in response to a request from Nepal, Japan will provide medical equipment to be utilised for taking measures against infectious diseases and the development of healthcare and medical systems.
Japan also intends to cooperate with the international community, including this support, to take a leading and active role to overcome this global crisis, the press note reads. “The Embassy of Japan is confident that the objectives envisaged by this programme will be achieved, and contribute towards further strengthening the relationship, friendship and cooperation between the peoples of Japan and Nepal.”