Nisha Mehta, an alumna of the College of Nursing at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has been appointed as Nepal’s Minister for Health and Population, marking a significant moment for both the nursing community and public health leadership.
She took oath as Nepal’s health minister on March 27, following a sweeping electoral victory by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in the March 5 national polls.
Mehta pursued her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at AIIMS New Delhi from 2006 to 2010, building a strong academic and leadership foundation early in her career.
According to an official statement issued by AIIMS Delhi, “This remarkable achievement is a moment of great pride for the institution and the nursing community at large.”
The institute further stated, “Mehta's journey from bedside nursing to a key policy-making role reflects the expanding scope and leadership potential of the nursing profession.”
During her time at AIIMS, Mehta actively participated in academic and co-curricular activities and consistently demonstrated leadership qualities and a strong sense of responsibility, the statement noted.
AIIMS Delhi emphasized that Mehta’s achievement goes beyond personal success, highlighting a broader shift in how nurses contribute to healthcare systems.
“Her accomplishment reinforces the vital role nurses play not only in patient care but also in shaping healthcare policies and systems at national and global levels,” the statement added.
The institute also extended its wishes, stating, “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.”
Mehta’s appointment comes amid a major political shift in Nepal. The Rastriya Swatantra Party secured 182 out of 275 seats in the House of Representatives, enabling it to form a majority government.
This marks Nepal’s first democratically elected government since the coalition led by former Prime Minister K P Oli was ousted in September last year.
The previous government fell following widespread Gen Z-led protests against corruption, nepotism, and a controversial social media ban, which escalated into violence and triggered political upheaval.
(Rh/ARC)
