Health Minister promises increased access to treatment of pediatric cancer

KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 17: Health and Population Minister Pradip Paudel has expressed gratitude to donor agencies supporting Nepal in securing medicines for the free treatment of childhood cancer.

Nepal has received its first shipment of childhood cancer medicines through the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. WHO has confirmed that more shipments will arrive gradually.

Minister Paudel noted that the Ministry of Health and Population has been providing free treatment for childhood cancer since November 16, 2024, to ensure no child dies due to lack of access to treatment. He expressed hope that this support would significantly reduce pediatric cancer mortality in Nepal.

"Childhood cancer is emerging as one of Nepal's major health challenges. Our focus is not only on treatment but also on prevention through the Nepal Cancer Control Strategy," he said, reaffirming the government's commitment to expanding cancer treatment services nationwide.

According to Ministry spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the medicines will be distributed to Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, Kanti Children's Hospital, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, and Bharatpur Cancer Hospital. He expressed optimism that the availability of these medicines would greatly enhance childhood cancer treatment in Nepal.