Finance Ministry holds key budget talks with Health & Industry Ministries

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Finance has held separate discussions with the Ministry of Health and Population and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies regarding the upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2082/83.

During the discussions, the Ministry of Finance urged both ministries to prepare and proceed with a clear approach on programs that should be continued, modified, postponed, removed, or introduced in the new budget.

In the discussion with the Ministry of Health and Population, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel emphasized reviewing health insurance programs, basic hospitals, the responsibilities of health institutions, and workforce issues, urging for effective programs.

Health Minister Pradeep Paudel stressed the need to clarify the roles of both the state and the private sector in the health sector. He expressed the view that health insurance programs should be implemented with a long-term approach.

In the meeting with the Ministry of Industry, Finance Minister Paudel called for addressing policy issues and creating a conducive environment for industries and businesses.

He highlighted the importance of focusing on job creation, increasing production, and exploring ways to industrialize the country.

Industry Minister Damodar Bhattarai emphasized the need to implement reforms in policies and ensure effective execution.

Dr. Prakash Kumar Shrestha, a member of the National Planning Commission, pointed out the need for improvements in implementation capacity and addressing tendencies that fail to produce results.

The meeting was attended by the Finance Secretary, Revenue Secretary, Secretaries from the Ministry of Health and Population and the Ministry of Industry, and other departmental heads.

The Ministry of Finance has previously discussed the upcoming fiscal year’s budget with the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure, Urban Development, and the Ministry of Energy.