India Gifts 40 Ambulances to Nepal

Kathmandu: In a significant step to enhance regional cooperation and deepen bilateral ties, the Government of India has donated 40 ambulances to healthcare institutions across Nepal. This humanitarian gesture not only supports Nepal's healthcare infrastructure but also reflects India’s continued commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, which prioritizes strong relations with neighboring countries.

The official handover ceremonies were held simultaneously at four different locations: the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, the Consulate General of India in Birgunj, and the Pension Paying Offices in Pokhara and Dharan. These events symbolized the wide geographical reach and inclusive approach of the donation across Nepal.

According to a statement released by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, the 40 ambulances have been distributed across 33 districts covering all 7 provinces of Nepal. Out of these, 22 ambulances were presented at the ceremony in Kathmandu, while Birgunj and Pokhara each received 7 ambulances, and Dharan was allotted 4 ambulances. The vehicles were handed over by senior officials representing the Indian government at each respective location.

Speaking at the Kathmandu ceremony, Mr. Prasanna Shrivastava, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy, emphasized the long-standing developmental cooperation between India and Nepal. He highlighted that gifting ambulances has been an integral part of India’s broader developmental partnership with Nepal, aimed at supporting and strengthening Nepal’s health infrastructure. “This initiative is a reflection of the robust, diverse, and evolving development partnership between India and Nepal that has expanded over the past seven decades,” Shrivastava remarked.

Representatives from various health institutions and beneficiary organizations expressed their deep gratitude to the Government of India for its sustained support. They acknowledged that these newly donated ambulances will significantly improve healthcare accessibility, especially in remote and underserved regions of Nepal, enabling timely and efficient emergency medical services for thousands of patients.

India’s assistance to Nepal's healthcare sector has spanned over three decades. Since 1994, India has gifted a total of 1,049 ambulances to various healthcare institutions across Nepal. The consistent support underlines India’s enduring commitment to improving public health outcomes in its neighboring country. Beyond the healthcare sector, India has also contributed to Nepal's education sector by donating 300 school buses, while in 2022, India provided 200 vehicles to Nepal’s law enforcement agencies and Election Commission to assist in conducting smooth elections.

This latest contribution of 40 ambulances further exemplifies the dynamic and multi-faceted relationship between the two nations. India’s sustained development cooperation continues to play a crucial role in fostering people-to-people ties, building institutional capacities, and promoting regional stability and prosperity.

The donation comes at a time when global emphasis on healthcare resilience is higher than ever, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring that healthcare services reach every corner of society. Through initiatives like these, India reiterates its role as a responsible regional partner and a true friend to Nepal.

(Report by Saswat Tiwari)