Gandaki, Nov 18: The Gandaki province government has proposed to include the agenda of building a specialized hospital for cancer, heart and kidney diseases, burn, maternal and child health in Pokhara in the upcoming visit of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to China. 

Health Minister Krishna Prasad Pathak of the province government has submitted the proposal to the Chief Secretary of the federal Government Ek Narayan Aryal on Sunday along with the province ministerial level decision as well as that of the province council of ministers.

Minister Pathak said that the proposal was made with the expectation of the Chinese government’s support in the construction of physical infrastructure, beds, tools, equipment, etc., as the construction of a specialized hospital with 1,000 beds could not proceed due to lack of resources and budget from province level.

“After the establishment of the province, the first provincial government decided to build a specialized hospital as a project of provincial pride, but due to lack of resources, the work has not yet progressed,” he shared on the occasion. 

Minister Pathak mentioned that Gandaki province shares its border with China and recently an immigration office has been established at Korala border crossing in the province which has further facilitated in the bilateral investment and exchange of cooperation. 

“When there is cooperation between the Government of Gandaki Province and the Government of China in the construction of a specialized hospital, opportunities for study and research are also created for researchers and experts in the health sector of both countries,” he said.