Migration is a universal phenomenon. it is estimated that 3.6% of the world population live outside their country of origin (WHO) Estimated 2million people migrate from Nepal for various reasons, around 800,00 live abroad permanently . Although the exact number is not known around 3000 doctors and 6000 nurses are estimated to have migrated from Nepal to work abroad. Ministry of Health and Population , Nepal organized a conclave on 26th and 27th Dec 2024 to address the issues of diaspora. A few points of interest
The diaspora is contributing to Nepal in various ways, although in a sporadic manner.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs has created a brain gain center- a data base of Nepali diaspora – a link of which is to be shared with the MOHP
There is a growing interest of the diaspora to move away from lonely projects to sustained partnerships
Government of Nepal wishes to create investment opportunities for the diaspora , and also encourages technology transfer, specially around digital health, artificial intelligence , and super speciality services.
Some large scale investments by diaspora has already taken place in Nepal such as Mediciti hospital , pharmacological industry and cancer prevention and treatment projects.
Some other presentations included useful community based models of health care supported by the diaspora in mental health that have potential for scale up and need to be discussed more.
Wellness tourism, herbal products linked to cosmetics, investment protection, visa facilitation, coaching and mentoring for grant writing , collaborative research etc were some of the topics highlighted.
The conclave has come out with a ten point declaration which will be shared soon.
Stay tuned ……………………