KATHMANDU: The Nepali Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, organized an interaction programme focusing on the physical and mental health challenges facing by Nepali migrant workers there.

The discussion centered around the common health problems affecting workers, along with measures for prevention and treatment.

A total of 25 Nepali medical specialists participated in the event. According to them, Nepali migrant workers in the UAE are experiencing both physical and mental health concerns, with mental health issues reportedly at a comparatively higher rate.

Commonly diagnosed conditions include hypertension, risk of cardiac arrest, kidney-related problems, and various mental health disorders.

The doctors said that limited health awareness, tendency to normalize or hide illnesses, insufficient knowledge about workplace environmental impacts in Gulf countries, lack of awareness regarding health insurance facilities, and language barriers are key factors preventing many workers from seeking regular health check-ups.

Medical professionals advised migrant workers to undergo regular health check-ups at least once every six months, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol consumption, and stay informed about their health insurance coverage.

They were of the view that the Embassy should intensify health awareness programmes targeting Nepali migrant workers in the UAE. The Embassy was also encouraged to coordinate with the Government of Nepal to facilitate telemedicine services for migrant workers. Besides, doctors advised that workers should complete medical examinations at standard hospitals before traveling to the UAE and receive proper orientation on health issues, insurance facilities, the destination country’s climate, road safety, and accident prevention.

On the occasion, Nepali Ambassador Tej Bahadur Chhetri appreciated the contributions of Nepali doctors working in the UAE and acknowledged the efforts of migrant workers in their respective fields.

He assured that the Embassy is committed to implementing the recommendations provided by medical professionals and will continue collaborating to operate health awareness programmes for migrant workers in the coming days.