Historical development of Public Health in Nepal

Historical development of public health in Nepal and its development can be traced in sequential periods from before 2007B.S and onwards.

Development of Public Health before 2007 B.S

• Smallpox Vaccination was introduced for the Rana Families.
• Concepts of curative and preventive services were fostered with the establishment of Bir Hospital in 1947B.S, Leprosarium in Tokha, and Transmitted disease hospital in Teku.

Development of Public Health After 2007 B.S

• The concept of Planned development came into force and different three years, five years plans were developed (the pre-plan period was set for 1951-1955A.D).
• In 2008, B.S., an insect-borne disease control unit, was established with the assistance of USAID.
• Ministry of Health was established in 2013 B.S., which has served as a public health service unit.

Development during 2016 -2029 B.S

• Different Vertical projects were launched. The Nepal Malaria Eradication Project was started in 2015B.S
• Kanti Hospitals, Health training institutions. In 2019B.The Health Ministry implemented a new health policy–one health center in every 105 electoral constituencies.
• In the year 2019 B.S., there were 32 hospitals and 104 health centers in the public sector.
• Regionalization of health services – 1964-1974 AD. With the political division of the country into 75districts and 14 zones, in 1964 regionalization of health services was started, and new zonal hospitals were established in Biratnagar, Rajbiraj, Janakpur, Birganj, Butwal, Pokhra, and Nepalganj.
• The Tuberculosis Control project was established in 2022 B.S
• In 2024 B.S, the Smallpox control pilot project was started
• Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and Family Planning project was launched in 2025 B.S
• In 2029 B.S, the Institute of Medicine was established to produce different cadres of the health workforce.

Development during 2029- 2044 B.S

• Reform was made in the health care system, and an integrated health care delivery system was started in late 2029 B.S( pilot phase was implemented in Bara and Kaski districts ). Therefore 2029BS is considered the start of “Modern Public Health in Nepal”.
• The health post was considered the basic outlet of the health care delivery system.
• First Long Term Health Plan (1975- 1990 AD) was developed in 2032 B.S and it was implemented.
• Nepal has signed into the principles of the Alma-Ata Declaration ( 1978 A.D)
• The concept of Health for All by 2000 A.D. was started.

Development during 2045- 2063

• In 2048B.S, a new health policy was introduced
• An integrated health service program was introduced in a phase-wise manner.
• The second long-term health plan (1947-2017A.D) was developed in 2054B.S and it was put into operation.

Development after 2064 B.S and onwards

• Interim Constitution of Nepal 2063 B.S recognized health as a fundamental right.
• Second National Health Policy was enacted in 2071 B.S
• National Health Policy 2076 B.S has been formulated based on the lists of exclusive and concurrent powers and functions of federal, state, and local levels as per the constitution; the policies and programmes of the Government of Nepal; the international commitments made by Nepal at different times; and the problems, challenges, available resources, and evidence in the health sector.