Nepal needs more medical assistance from China: health minister

KATHMANDU -- Nepal's health minister said here Sunday that the Nepalese government will forward a list of requirements for medical assistance to China as the quake-hit country is in the process of resuming the health facilities and institutions in proper place.

"China is very proactive to provide such type of logistics and medical equipments and supplies," Minister of Health and Population Khagaraj Adhikari told Xinhua in an exclusive interview in his office.

"They have asked us to provide the list of plan and requirements, both for short and long term," the minister said, adding that he had mentioned the requirements to the Nepalese ambassador to China and believed it would be followed up through diplomatic channel.

"We hope China can help us in establishing rehab and follow-up centers in worst-hit districts. Most of the patients are related to orthopedics, spinal injury and head injury so they need to have a follow-up check regularly."

The minister spoke highly of the Chinese rescue team and medical team which rushed to Nepal shortly after a 7.9-magnitude earthquake jolted the Himalayan country on April 25, saying the Chinese "did a very great job to help us in this crisis period."

"They rescued the human life from the most risky area of the capital... Mostly, the victims from highly affected districts like Sindhupalchowk, Kavre, Gorkha, Rasuwa are highly benefited from Chinese field hospitals and medical centers."

Currently, he said, there is also a Chinese anti-epidemic team operating in Nepal to see the possible outbreaks of diseases.

"They also trained our Nepalese health workers to handle the possible cases, which is praise-worthy."

The minister also expressed appreciation for the assistance and donations from all foreign countries and international agencies.

"Especially, we would like to thank China for its continuous effort and support," he said.