Patan Hospital becomes first fully digital govt hospital

Kathmandu, Feb. 6

In a milestone move, the Patan Hospital has digitalised all of its services including emergency, outpatient department and inpatient department.

The hospital located in Lagankhel of Lalitpur has emerged as the country’s first state-run multi-speciality hospital to fully digitise its services, marking a major transformation in public healthcare delivery.

Minister for Health and Population Dr. Sudha Sharma Gautam launched the digital services at the 18^th anniversary programme of the Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS) organised at the hospital in Lalitpur on Friday.

Developed over a decade through sustained effort and close collaboration with medical professionals, the hospital’s integrated digital system streamlines everything from administration to clinical treatment into a single platform.

With the launch of digital services, patients' records maintained in the past seven decades could be accessed via mobile devices or computers. The system is developed and maintained by D-Code, a Nepali software developer company.

"One of the most notable changes is the introduction of mobile-based access to prescriptions and medical reports. After consultation, patients can now view prescriptions, medication details, and test results directly through their online accounts or mobile applications, eliminating the need to carry physical files," Registrar of the PAHS Prof. Dr. Paras Kumar Acharya said at the programme.

The hospital has also implemented an online payment system, allowing patients to settle bills using QR codes and cards. This removes the need to queue at cash counters and enables patients to proceed directly to pharmacies or diagnostic services after consulting doctors.

Another feature allows patients to download X-ray, CT scan, and MRI reports remotely through a digital portal. This reduces congestion in radiology department and offers greater convenience—an innovation considered groundbreaking among Nepal’s public hospitals, the hospital informed.

The system further integrates major government service platforms, including Health Insurance, the Social Security Fund (SSF), supports schemes for underprivileged citizens and the Inland Revenue Department’s API (Application Programming Interface).

"This integration enables eligible patients to access government benefits without additional paperwork or administrative delays," said the developer.

D-Code said that the software used in the PAHS is free and open-source platform as per the policy of the government.

The hospital has made both the software and its source code publicly available, allowing other public and private hospitals to adopt, customise, and implement the system at no cost.

“This is not just software; it reflects 10 years of institutional experience and operational learning. Other hospitals no longer need to invest millions in research—they can adopt our model and digitise their services immediately," said a member of the development team.

Designed to manage the daily load of more than 2,000 OPD visits and over 600 admitted patients, the system is now expanding towards artificial intelligence (AI) integration. The hospital has begun incorporating AI tools to enhance disease diagnosis, workflow efficiency, and medical data research.

Patan Hospital is also preparing to launch its own mobile application, which will further improve patient access to healthcare services.

Dr. Acharya informed that the digitalisation of the health services at the PAHS was conceptualised one and a half decades ago in 2011. He also appealed to all public and private health institutions in Nepal to use the open-source software and save a large amount of budget and effort to create another one.

Addressing the anniversary programme, Minister Dr. Gautam appreciated the quality human resources production and service delivery of the PAHS.

She said that while basic health services are guaranteed by the constitution and its responsibilities are lied at the local governments, they are yet to realise this responsibility and act accordingly.

"It is unfortunate that insurance payment is due for the last three years at the Patan Hospital. I request all the governments to make their contributions to the insurance fund in order to make the programme a success," said the Minister.

The hospital is waiting to receive Rs. 311.24 million in insurance dues from the government. Other dues include Rs. 56.88 million for services to the poor people.

Meanwhile, the PAHS has earned Rs. 3.08 billion in the last Fiscal Year 2024/25 and made a profit of Rs. 163.61 million.

The hospital is set to launch bone marrow transplant service from this year. A recently prepared master plan of the hospital also includes launching cardio-thoracic surgery, radiation therapy and transplant services in the near future. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 7 February 2026.  

Gorkhapatra announces scholarships

Kathmandu, Feb.  6

The Gorkhapatra Corporation (GC) has announced research scholarships for researchers working in various fields related to Gorkhapatra.

The scholarships, provided under the Gorkhapatra Academy, will be of two types,

The first type will offer an incentive research grant of Rs. 50,000 for research previously conducted on various topics related to Gorkhapatra, its co-publications, and the contributions of the GC.

To apply, a researcher must submit one hard copy and a digital copy of their research paper or thesis to the institution.

This category will include postgraduate, MPhil, or doctoral research, as well as independent research, as stated by the Gorkhapatra Academy.

The second type of scholarship requires the researcher to register a research proposal for MPhil, MPhil-PhD, or PhD at a university or affiliated campus in Nepal, and the proposal must have been approved for research.

The research must relate to the contributions made by Gorkhapatra daily, The Rising Nepal daily, monthly publications (Muna, Yuwamanch, and Madhupurak), Gorkhapatra’s multilingual content, the institution’s digital editions - gorkhapatraonline.com and risingnepaldaily.com, among others.

The research title should reflect these contributions, and the total research grant in this category will be Rs. 100,000.

The topics for research could include areas such as journalism, language, literature, culture, history, art, the economy, commerce, information and communication technology, printing technology, and the development of printing presses, all of which have been contributions made by Gorkhapatra.

The scholarship aims to establish Gorkhapatra’s connection with the academic field, ensure an independent evaluation of its activities based on its work, and document its contributions to transfer knowledge to future generations, said GC’s General Manager, Lal Bahadur Airi.

The evaluation of the submitted research papers, theses, or research proposals will be conducted by an evaluation committee formed by the Corporation, informed Director of Gorkhapatra Academy, Kedar Bhattrai.

The evaluation of both types of applications will follow the provisions of the Gorkhapatra Sansthan Research Fellowship Procedures, 2082. The application period will be 30 days.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 7 February 2026.  

Buildcon Expo kicks off at Bhrikutimandap

Kathmandu, Feb. 5

The 11th edition of the ‘Nepal Buildcon International Exhibition’ kicked off at the Bhrikutimandap on Thursday. The exhibition will remain open until February 8.

Organised with the objective of showcasing domestic and international technologies, materials, and services related to the construction sector on a single platform, the exhibition features participation from more than 300 national and international brands.

Over 200 stalls at the venue are displaying the latest services and materials in the construction industry, the organisers – Media Space Solutions, and Future X Trade Fair and Events – informed in a statement.

The exhibition has also been promoting domestic products while introducing new technologies and services popular in international markets to Nepal.

The exhibition includes a wide range of construction-related products and services, such as architectural hardware, aluminium extrusion, marble, tiles, sanitary ware, modular and modern kitchens, roofing, cladding, lifts, elevators, escalators, doors and windows, flooring, wall coverings, glass glazing, pipes and plumbing materials, construction chemicals, PVC and uPVC profiles, batteries, generators, cement, steel, and more.

Meanwhile, Indian brand Nitco has begun producing and distributing tiles in Nepal with a launch of sales at the expo, the company informed.

Considering the strong demand for the Nitco brand in the Nepali market, Nitco Nepal Pvt. Ltd. has started local production to provide high-quality tiles at more affordable prices. CEO Shubham Agrawal expressed confidence that locally produced tiles will reduce costs for Nepali consumers while maintaining the same quality as imported products.

Similarly, international construction chemical brand Mapisa has also entered the Nepali market, offering tile adhesives, epoxy, ready-mix plaster, wall coverings, and other products at competitive prices through its official distributor Shubham International.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 6 February 2026.  

Prospering Together

 

Along with a struggle to find political stability, Nepal and Bangladesh share multiple similarities. They are the members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), are graduating to 'developing nation' status from the Least Developed Country by the end of this year, and are pursuing strategies for industrial and export growth. 

However, differences are stark – Bangladesh is a rapidly industrialising coastal country with maritime access, a large market with 170 million people with average per capita income (PCI) of US$ 2,820, against landlocked Nepal's 30 million people with average PCI of US$ 1,490. Nepal was the seventh country to recognise Bangladesh as an independent country when it was created in 1971. They signed the Transit Agreement and Trade and Payments Agreement and offered favour to each other in customs duties and other charges on export and import of goods between them. 

Recently, after years of hiatus, Nepal started supplying electricity to Bangladesh in 2024. Bangladesh has shown interest in investing up to Rs. US$ 1 billion in the first phase of Nepal's hydropower projects, and importing electricity in a large amount. Currently, Nepal is exporting 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh. Despite having good trade relations, Nepal is witnessing a huge trade deficit with Bangladesh. In the last Fiscal Year 2024/25, Nepal imported merchandise worth Rs. 5.18 billion from Bangladesh and exported goods worth only Rs. 666.1 million, creating a trade deficit of Rs. 4.51 billion. 

Nepal's major export goods include lentils, oil-cake, cane molasses, bran, food, and medicinal plants, while it imports soyabean, oil-cake, raw jute, parts of engines, medicines, and potatoes. Experts in Nepal say that the tariff and para-tariff imposed by Bangladesh on Nepali products have made the latter less competitive in the markets there. Unfortunately, the two developing nations of the same region haven't resolved the complexities in bilateral trade exchanges. 

A study conducted by South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment and published last year identified that minerals and metals, textiles, chemicals, clothing, agricultural products, oilseeds and fats, wood and paper, and leather and footwear have high potential for export to Bangladesh. However, Nepal lacks a country-wide policy to promote exports and has a poor economic diplomacy exercise. Various strategies devised for trade integration couldn't alter the existing unfavourable environment in foreign trade.   

Amidst such a situation, the commerce secretary-level meeting between the two countries held last week in Dhaka aptly underscored the need for deepening bilateral economic partnership, including joint-venture investment and trade. Nepali delegation led by Commerce Secretary Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire stressed on enhancing bilateral trade by reducing trade-related barriers, including the tariff and non-tariff ones. 

In response, Bangladesh expressed its readiness to collaborate in trade and investment, connectivity, and tourism. Bangladesh's Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman reaffirmed commitment to simplifying customs procedures and enhancing trade facilitation. Nepal also maintained that there is a need for close cooperation to promote collective interests at the regional and international forums, as both countries are graduating to 'developing country' status. 

Likewise, the two countries have agreed to expedite negotiations on the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), rules of origin, and product list. Nepal should take this opportunity to simplify the entry process of Nepali products into the Bangladeshi market. Meanwhile, efforts should be boosted to attract investment in hydroelectricity and industry and attract more Bangladeshi tourists to Nepal. 

Nepal should prepare a comprehensive list of products that can have competitive and comparative advantages, and focus on their production and development. It is high time that the two neighbours collaborate at the regional and international level to promote each other's interests to achieve shared prosperity. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 January 2026.  

DJPL to invest Rs. 4.7 billion in Chitwan

Kathmandu, Feb. 4

Deurali-Janta Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. is set to diversify its production and increase its capacity with a new manufacturing plant in Chitwan.

“The new international standard production plant will be installed for Rs 4.75 billion, with the aim of import substitution, export readiness, technology transfer and creating employment,” Hari Bhakta Sharma, Founder and Executive Director of the company, said at a  press meet organised to mark the 35^th year of the company, on Tuesday.

The project would be developed within two years.

Sharma and his team have seen a huge potential in the Nepali pharmaceutical industry in production, export and competitive capacity.

However, he said that the country still lacks an industry-friendly policy. The government should support the entrepreneurs in acquiring land, the business registration and licensing process, and technology transfer.

According to him, the Department of Drugs has a provision for obtaining a separate license for each medicine production, which creates additional hassles in the production and marketing of the products.

Deurali-Janta aims to conduct a business worth around Rs. 2.6 billion this year.

“Deurali–Janata Pharmaceuticals has been a leader in Nepal’s pharmaceutical industry for the past 35 years. The company imports advanced technology to produce essential medicines locally, and it has firmly established itself as a pioneer in Nepal’s pharmaceutical sector,” said Ayush Bhakta Poudel, Director of the company.

According to him, with a focus on reducing reliance on imported medicines, the company’s goal has always been to make the country self-sufficient in pharmaceutical production. It has successfully developed and produced hundreds of medicines in Nepal, and the company’s success story is a testament to its commitment and growth in the pharmaceutical industry.

Deurali-Janta is producing 296 types of essential life-saving medicines, including capsules, tablets, liquids, ointments, dry powders, and other forms of medicinewith the application of cutting-edge technologies.

The products are rigorously researched, produced, and quality-tested using modern technologies and equipment, meeting international standards, said Poudel. The company has employed 675 individuals. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 5 February 2026.  

Nine Nepali startups secure investment thru IN-SPAN

Kathmandu, Feb. 4

Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) hosted the Nepal-India Startup Samvad in Kathmandu on Wednesday to mark it as an important milestone in cross-border entrepreneurial collaboration.

The event featured the successful cohort of the India-Nepal Startup Partnership Network (IN-SPAN), a flagship initiative facilitated by IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation (IIT Madras) with the support of the Ministry of External Affairs, India.

Under the programme, 24 Nepali startups participated in an intensive eight-week residency within the IIT Madras innovation ecosystem, gaining access to advanced mentorship, technological guidance, and market exposure, informed the NICCI.

A significant outcome of the cohort was that nine startups secured exclusive investment and incubation offers from leading Indian incubation platforms - a strong indicator of the rising potential of Nepal’s innovation ecosystem and the value of regional cooperation.

Speaking at the event, President of NICCI Sunil KC, emphasised that cross-border startup partnerships are essential to enhancing regional competitiveness and driving youth-led economic growth.

Likewise, Vice-President of NICCI Kunal Kayal, noted that the next phase of Nepal-India economic relations must be driven by the private sector and powered by innovation. “To institutionalise this momentum, our committee is spearheading the establishment of a Startup Innovation Centre, which will serve as an epicenter connecting all ecosystem stakeholders,” he added.

Er. Umesh Kumar Gupta, Executive Director of the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute (IEDI) Nepal, highlighted the importance of institutional support, policy alignment, and capacity-building initiatives in nurturing startups into globally competitive enterprises.

Founders of the selected start-ups shared their experiences from the IIT Madras residency. Participants spoke about access to high-end laboratories, investor engagement opportunities, product refinement support, and exposure to global best practices. Many described the experience as a turning point that helped them move from early-stage development to market-ready innovation. They sought government and policy support to make their entrepreneurial ventures successful in the long-run.

According to NICCI, by linking Nepali entrepreneurs with Indian innovation platforms, the initiative aims to accelerate knowledge transfer, promote regional market integration, and position Nepal as an emerging hub for technology-driven enterprise.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 5 February 2026.  

Election Commission mandates strict Banking procedures for campaign financing

Kathmandu, Feb. 3

In an effort to bolster fiscal transparency and accountability during the upcoming parliamentary elections, the Election Commission of Nepal has implemented the ‘Procedures on Election Campaign for Parliamentary Member - Bank Account (Account Handling and Management) 2082’.

The new directive mandates that all political parties and candidates must channel their election-related financial activities through dedicated bank accounts, ensuring a traceable and regulated flow of campaign funds.

Transparency is further enforced by the requirement that all transactions must be conducted in Nepali currency. Any expenditure for campaigning—including payments for podiums, rallies, or publicity—must be made via cheques, drafts, electronic means, or other negotiable instruments.

While parties and candidates can accept donations, there are strict thresholds and ‘no-go’ sectors. Any assistance exceeding Rs. 25,000 from a citizen or an organisation must be deposited directly into the campaign bank account. For donations exceeding Rs. 100,000, the recipient is legally bound to record the donor’s name, address, occupation, Permanent Account Number (PAN), and the source of the funds, including a declaration of its tax status.

The EC has barred the political parties and candidates from raising financial aid from several sectors, including government agencies at all levels, institutions with full or partial government ownership, public limited companies that issued the Initial Public Offering, and educational institutions like universities and schools.

Likewise, they can’t collect funds from national and international non-government organisations, foreign governments, foreign institutions or foreign individuals, and anonymous donors or undisclosed entities.

Under the new regulations, political parties and individual candidate are required to submit their applications to the EC in a prescribed format. The political parties must provide an official letter from the party, and the candidates must provide evidence of their candidacy or a valid identity card. They must also submit a signature specimen card from the chosen financial institution and a copy of the Nepali citizenship certificate of the person(s) designated to operate the account.

Once the EC verifies these documents, it will issue a formal recommendation to the bank to open the account, notifying the Treasury and Accounts Controller Office and Election Offices to ensure oversight from the outset.

As per the procedures, a political party's account must be operated by a maximum of two officials designated by the party, requiring joint signatures for all transactions. For individual candidates, the account can be managed by the candidate themselves or an authorised representative, either through a single signature or joint signatures of up to two people.

Monitoring and Closure

The chief of the relevant Treasury and Accounts Controller Office has been tasked as the Election Code of Conduct Monitoring Officer. Their role involves continuous surveillance to ensure that public property is not misused and that campaign spending remains within the limits set by the EC.

Following the conclusion of the election, candidates and parties must make their expenditure details public and submit a report to the Election Office. The EC will then order the closure of the bank accounts within 35 days of the final report's preparation.

However, in a bid to maintain a long-term audit trail, all bank account records must be securely preserved for a minimum of six years, according to the procedures.

Joint Spokesperson of the EC Kul GC expressed his confidence that these new procedures will help to enhance transparency in election financing, both raising funds and expenditures.

“We want to set a new good culture in election financing. This is the starting point. But the EC would put its efforts through the election and treasury offices in better monitoring the mobilisation of the funds,” said GC.

 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 4 February 2026.