The Government of Nepal and Government of Republic of Korea (GoK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their commitment to work together for the post-disaster reconstruction and recovery of the health services and facilities in Nuwakot districts of Nepal.

The MOU was signed by Dr Shanta Raj Subedi, Secretary of Ministry of Finance, Government of Nepal and Choe, Yong-Jin, the Korean Ambassador to Nepal, and.

The agreement marks the mutual cooperation between the two governments, GoK and GoN for the reconstruction of the health facilities including district hospital and health posts as well as recovery of the health services in the remote villages of Nuwakot districts and the capacity building of the health staffs at district health offices.

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that stroke Nepal in April 25 and May 12 of 2015, The Government of Korea immediately responded with necessary relief and recovery efforts. To expand it supports, the Korean Government made a pledge of 10 million USD at the international conference on Nepal’s reconstruction organized on 25 June 2015 in Kathmandu and based on the follow up consultation between GOK and GoN, the GOK made its commitment to implement health recovery program in Nuwakot district. After the several missions for assessment and consultations at central and district level, the Record of Discussion (RoD) was signed on 10 December 2015 between Ministry of Foreign Affairs, GoK and Ministry of Health, GoN.

The project covers the construction of the Nuwakot District Hospital in Bidur Municpality and 10 Health posts in different VDCs of Nuwakot district Ratemate, Duipipal, Charghare, Belkot, Suryamati, Thaprek, Panchakanya, Gangphedi, Likhu, and Sisdol (Okharpauwa).

The project is jointly being implemented by UNDP, KOICA, GNI and GIZ. UNDP is responsible for safe demotion and debris management through cash-for-work modality in reconstruction activities while GIZ will be responsible for improvement and strengthening of Health Management Information System. Good Neighbors International (GNI) will support in normalizing health service delivery and capacity building for health workers in addressing post-disaster concerns. M-PANEL is the KOICA assigned contractors responsible for construction of 10 Health posts in the district.

Apart from the post-disaster reconstruction program in Nuwakot, KOICA has been supporting the Government of Nepal in the area of Health, Education and Agriculture and Capacity building of Human resources.