KATHMANDU: The government has launched a nationwide “National Cleanliness Week” from today with the aim of making public service delivery dignified, clean, and environment-friendly.

Minister for Health and Population Nisha Mehta inaugurated the campaign this morning at Bir Hospital by personally taking part in the cleaning drive with a broom. She said the campaign would be conducted in government hospitals and government offices across the country.

Speaking at the event, Minister Mehta said there had been significant improvement in the hospital compared to the past and that special attention had been given to patient care. She added that services at the hospital had been streamlined through a digital system.

The minister also mentioned that discussions were underway to make the health insurance programme more accessible. According to her, the cleanliness campaign has started simultaneously in hospitals across the country.

On the occasion, House of Representatives member KP Khanal informed the concerned authorities about plastic waste found outside the hospital premises and stressed that hospital administration should pay greater attention to cleanliness in the coming days.

The programme was attended by Health Ministry Secretary Dr Bikash Devkota, Acting Director of Bir Hospital Prof Dr Prabha Koirala, and other officials.

The government has launched the cleanliness week in all government offices under the federal, provincial, and local levels. The campaign will continue until May 15. To implement the programme, the government has also issued the “Cleanliness Week Operation Guidelines, 2026.”

The campaign aims to maintain a clean, healthy, and well-managed environment in all government bodies and educational institutions while promoting hygienic behavior and awareness.