Annapurna (Kaski), Oct 2: Chief Minister of Gandaki Province Surendraraj Pandey has said that everyone concerned should work collectively to make the health sector safe.

Addressing the provincial level annual review of the health sector programs in the previous financial year 2079/80 by the Directorate of Health, Gandaki on Sunday, Chief Minister Pandey the incidents involving doctors at Manipal Teaching Hospital Pokhara and Lamjung were unpleasant. “Nobody should be allowed to vandalize the hospital and abuse the health workers”, Chief Minister Pandey said, “It does not mean that there is no weakness on the part of the doctors, there can be weakness.”

He said that the government will take responsibility for the safety of health workers in their workplace. “The government is responsible for the safety of all those involved in this profession.” Chief Minister Pandey however pointed out that it is the collective responsibility of everyone to find a solution.

Also speaking at the program, Minister of Social Development and Health of Gandaki Province Sushila Simkhada called for better coordination between the government and private hospitals, and stressed that subsidy in medical treatment cost should be provided only to those who cannot afford it.

Chiefs of health offices of all the 11 districts in the province have gathered in Pokhara for the review that will conclude today.