The World Health Organization (WHO) today officially handed over a newly constructed prefabricated office facility to the Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, to facilitate the resumption of critical health governance and administrative functions.
At a ceremony, held within the premises of Singha Durbar, Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office officially handed over the prefabricated office to Dr Sudha Sharma Gautam, Minister of Health and Population, in the presence of Dr Bikash Devkota, Health Secretary; Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, WHO Representative to Nepal; and senior officials from the Ministry and WHO Country Office for Nepal.
The new facility was constructed using six prefabricated modular units and is specifically designed to meet the Ministry’s immediate needs. The new structure will support the Ministry to continue its vital work in health policy formulation, coordination and service delivery. Following the damage sustained by the Ministry’s main building during recent protests, the MoHP had been operating from a temporary and limited space within an adjacent building.
Speaking during the event, Dr Boehme, highlighted the importance of strong partnerships and rapid recovery support. “This facility is far more than a physical structure — it is a symbol of resilience, preparedness, and partnership. It restores a functional home for essential health leadership and coordination, ensuring that critical operations can continue without interruption,” she said.
Receiving the facility on behalf of the Ministry, Hon. Minister Dr Sudha Sharma Gautam, expressed gratitude to WHO for its timely assistance. “We thank WHO for its prompt support in establishing this workspace for the Ministry. This facility will enable our teams to operate more efficiently and continue serving the people of Nepal,” said Dr Gautam.
The prefabricated units used for construction were procured and pre-positioned by WHO Nepal in 2023 as part of its health emergency preparedness strategy. The technology enabled accelerated delivery while minimizing disruption to ongoing governmental activities.
Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, WHO Representative to Nepal, said: “Having these units in stock allowed us to deploy them rapidly when the Ministry needed operational space the most, showcasing once again the importance of investing in preparedness. As we hand over these units today, we do so with pride and with confidence that they will support the Ministry’s leadership in coordinating Nepal’s health response and preparedness.”
The prefabricated office facility for the Ministry is part of WHO’s broader efforts to ensure continuity of essential health services and enhance system preparedness for public health emergencies. Previously, WHO Nepal has supported the establishment of Health Emergency Operation Centers at both the federal and all seven provincial levels, as well as setting up of temporary health facilities using medical camp kits to enable timely response during emergencies.
