On Monday, British Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Andrew Mitchell, visited the Lumbini Provincial Hospital in Butwal.
His presence highlighted the significance of international cooperation in strengthening healthcare initiatives, particularly related to maternal and child health and nutrition.

During his visit, Mitchell expressed admiration for the commendable healthcare services provided by the hospital. The British government is prepared to increase financial support in these critical areas, aligning with broader efforts to enhance maternal and child health outcomes globally.
Key figures attending the discussions included Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary, Health Secretary Raju Khanal, and Mayor of Butwal, Khelraj Pandey. Chief Minister Chaudhary shared insights into the current state of the healthcare sector in Lumbini province, emphasizing achievements and areas needing further attention.
Dr. Sudarshan Thapa, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, provided detailed information about the facility’s services and overall condition, offering a comprehensive overview to the visiting delegation.
As part of the visit, Mitchell and his team toured various hospital departments, including the Obstetrics and Child Maternity Center (OCMC), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), and Children’s Nutrition Rehabilitation Center. These firsthand observations provided valuable context for discussions on potential collaboration and support.
Andrew Mitchell’s visit underscores the importance of international partnerships in advancing healthcare.