KATHMANDU: Nepal and Germany have formally launched a EUR 1.5 million bilateral project aimed at strengthening quality infrastructure in Nepal’s health system. The initiative was marked by a joint kickoff workshop held last week under the project titled Strengthening the Quality Infrastructure for the Health System in Nepal.

Following government-to-government (G2G) negotiations in September 2024, the two countries committed to improving laboratory standards, ensuring accurate diagnosis, and enhancing oversight of medicines to protect public health.

Germany’s national metrology institute, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, is implementing the project in partnership with Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population, the National Public Health Laboratory, and the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology.

The program focuses on strengthening quality management in medical laboratories and reinforcing regulatory systems for safe and reliable medicines. The initiative, according to officials, aims to establish robust institutions, proficient technical teams, and enduring systems that convert standards into enhanced healthcare results.

Key partners include the Department of Drug Administration, National Medicines Laboratory, Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal, World Health Organization Nepal, Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Women’s Hospital, Kanti Children’s Hospital, Nepal Academy of Medical Sciences, and Bir Hospital.