22 September 2021.The Government of People’s Republic of China and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) handed over medical and waste-management related supplies to the Rapti Provincial Hospital, in Tulsipur, Dang amid a handover ceremony, on 22 September 2021.

The Rapti Provincial Hospital received various hospital equipment, including autoclaves; segregation trolley; incubator; as well as automatic hospital laundry washing machine in order to ensure proper waste management from the hospital. Following the handover, healthcare workers will be trained on  the proper use of the various equipment, as well as means to manage medical waste. Alongside this, 100 officials from the local government will also be trained on better handling of health emergencies.

“We sincerely hope that Nepal can benefit from this project, and China will continue to provide assistance to Nepal to the best of its ability. Let us join hands and stand shoulder to shoulder, firmly advance international cooperation against COVID-19, and defeat the pandemic in concerted efforts,” said the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Her Excellency Hou Yanqi.

UNDP Resident Representative Ayshanie Medagangoda-Labe alluded to Government of Nepal’s commitment under SDGs to reduce CO2 emissions, and said, “Mismanaged medical waste generates increased CO2 emissions, contributing to global warming. And much of the onus of managing this waste lies with the local government. It is good to see that Tulsipur is already on the path to contribute to the Government’s commitment.” UNDP, she said, is pleased to join the Government of People’s Republic of China and the local government in this endeavour. “We count on all of you to bring about a change in behaviour and attitudes for improved waste management.”

The Government of People’s Republic of China and the United Nations Development Programme are jointly supporting this initiative, Learning from China's Experience to Improve the Ability of Response to COVID-19 in Asia and the Pacific Region on Medical Waste Management, to respond to and recover from the impact of COVID-19 in Nepal by improving the healthcare waste management system, with financial support from China’s South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund.

UNDP works closely with Department of Health Services under the Ministry of Health and Population of the Government of Nepal and with seven COVID-19 designated hospitals across the country, including Rapti Provincial Hospital, Tulsipur; Koshi Hospital, Biratnagar; Narayani Hospital, Birgunj; Janakpur Hospital, Janakpurdham; Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni; Provincial Hospital Surkhet, Birendranagar; and Bheri Hospital, Nepalgunj.Press Release Nepali version here