Long-standing India-Nepal partnership continues with donation of vehicles to health institutions across 33 districts
In a significant gesture of cross-border goodwill, the Government of India has gifted 40 ambulances to various health institutions spread across 33 districts in all seven provinces of Nepal. This move comes under the long-running Nepal-India Development Partnership aimed at strengthening Nepal’s healthcare infrastructure, reported indiablooms.com.
The vehicle handover ceremonies were held simultaneously at four key locations: the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, the Consulate General of India in Birgunj, and the Pension Paying Offices in Pokhara and Dharan. A total of 7 ambulances were distributed each in Birgunj and Pokhara, and 4 in Dharan, with the remaining handed over in Kathmandu.
India hands over 40 ambulances across Nepal to improve health service access and deepen regional cooperation.
At the Kathmandu event, Prasanna Shrivastava, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy, formally handed over the keys to the representatives of various beneficiary institutions. Mayors and chairpersons from municipalities and rural municipalities of Bagmati, Karnali, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim provinces, as well as local political leaders and social workers, attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the occasion, Shrivastava reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to Nepal’s development, especially in the health sector. “Gifting of ambulances has been a long-standing initiative under the Nepal-India Development Partnership,” he stated.
Beneficiaries at the event expressed optimism that the ambulances will significantly enhance accessibility to health services in underserved areas. Similar sentiments were echoed during the simultaneous handover events in Birgunj, Pokhara, and Dharan
India’s support to Nepal’s healthcare infrastructure has been ongoing for over three decades. Since 1994, India has gifted a total of 1,049 ambulances to institutions across Nepal, including the latest batch. In addition, India has also provided 300 school buses, and in 2022, gifted 200 vehicles to Nepal’s law enforcement agencies and the Election Commission for election facilitation.
A statement from the Indian Embassy emphasized, “India and Nepal enjoy a multi-faceted development partnership. These logistical provisions underscore the deep-rooted people-to-people ties and India’s continued commitment to Nepal’s progress.”
