The Ministry of Finance, Government of Nepal and the Embassy of Republic of Korea in Nepal have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project- Capacity Building of Medical Service To Achieve Universal Health Coverage for the poor in vulnerable areas in Bhaktapur, Nepal.

The Korean Government through Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will spend $9.5 million (equivalent to Rs 1.25 billion) for this project for five years. The project aims to enhance the capacity of medical infrastructure and professionals for quality hospital management, infection control, and improved coverage of public health insurance to attain the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Bhaktapur.

KOICA shall construct a 100-bed hospital in the adjoining land of Nepal Korea Friendship Municipality Hospital (NKFMH), provide necessary medical equipment and develop the capacity of medical and administrative staff of the hospital. The old and new hospital buildings shall be interconnected for effective service delivery.

Phase 2 of NKFMH shall be instrumental in providing quality healthcare to the general public and poor and vulnerable people of Bhaktapur and nearby districts shall have easy access to specialised healthcare services.