Nisha Mehta, an alumna of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, has been appointed as Nepal's minister for Health and Population, marking a rare transition from nursing to a top political leadership role in the country's public health system. She took oath as the Health minister on March 27.
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From AIIMS Delhi to Nepal's Cabinet
Mehta studied at the College of Nursing at AIIMS New Delhi, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing between 2006 and 2010. Her appointment has been welcomed by the institution, which described her rise as a significant milestone for the nursing community.
In a statement, AIIMS Delhi said, "This remarkable achievement is a moment of great pride for the institution and the nursing community at large." The statement added, "Mehta's journey from bedside nursing to a key policy-making role reflects the expanding scope and leadership potential of the nursing profession."
Leadership roots during training
The institute noted that Mehta displayed leadership qualities during her academic years. She was actively involved in academic and co-curricular activities and showed a strong sense of responsibility.
According to the statement, these qualities helped shape her path towards leadership and public service. It further emphasised that her achievement highlights the role of nurses beyond clinical care and into policymaking.
The statement also said her accomplishment reinforces the contribution of nurses in shaping healthcare systems at national and global levels. "The College of Nursing, AIIMS, New Delhi, extends its best wishes to Mehta for a successful tenure and impactful contributions to public health in Nepal," it added.
Political shift in Nepal
Mehta's appointment comes after a major political development in Nepal. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured a landslide victory in the March 5 elections, winning 182 of the 275 seats in the House of Representatives, enabling the formation of a majority government.
This is the first democratically elected government since the coalition led by former prime minister K P Sharma Oli was ousted in September last year following protests over corruption, nepotism and a social media ban that later turned violent.
