Health Ministry Shifts to NHRC Building After Fire Destroys Headquarters

KATHMANDU — The Ministry of Health and Population has been forced to relocate after its main building at Ramshah Path was reduced to ashes in an arson attack during the Gen-Z protests.

The four-story ministry complex, along with its furniture, computers, vehicles, and vital documents, was completely destroyed in the blaze. While the old Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) building on the same premises sustained partial damage, the newer NHRC structure remains intact and will now serve as the ministry’s temporary office.

“We will begin regular work from the NHRC building. A room is being prepared for the minister, and the long-term plan is to move back within Singha Durbar,” said Secretary Dr. Bikash Devkota.

According to him, staff are currently marking attendance manually as officials carry out damage assessment and prepare an inventory of losses. Meanwhile, the health emergency and disaster management unit has already resumed operations from a Bir Hospital building.

Despite the disruption, officials say efforts are underway to restore services quickly.