Nepal Development Research Institute organized a high-level discussion program on health taxation policy, bringing together policymakers, parliamentarians, tax experts, researchers, and public health professionals to deliberate on the role of fiscal policy in promoting public health and sustainable development. The program was chaired by Er. Ganesh Shah, Former Minister of Environment Science and Technology while the Chief Guest was Hon'ble Dr. Ojaswee Sherchan, Chair, Education, Health and Information Technology Committee. The Executive Director of NDRI, Dr. Shikha Thapa Magar, welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of evidence-based policymaking in strengthening health taxation in Nepal.

The program featured technical presentations by Dr. Jaya Kumar Gurung, Coordinator, Tobacco Control Program, NDRI on the Context and Policy Recommendations Dr. Rup Khadka, Tax Policy Expert on Health Tax Rationalization, and Prof. Dr. Shiva Raj Adhikari, Former Vice Chair, National Planning Commission on Fiscal Policy Perspectives on Health Taxation. The event also included remarks from several Honorable Members of Parliament representing different political parties, including Dr. Toshima Karki, Former Minister for Health and Population and Dr. Ananda Bd Chand, Hon'ble Memember of Parliament who shared their perspectives on strengthening public health policies through effective taxation measures.

An open discussion session moderated by Dr. Nawa Raj Khatiwada, Program Coordinator, Health Education and Environment and NDRI, provided a platform for participants to exchange views and policy suggestions on health taxation and governance. The program concluded with remarks from the Chief Guest and the Session Chair, followed by a press conference moderated by Dr. Jaya Kumar Gurung. The discussion emphasized the importance of coordinated policy reforms, stronger fiscal measures, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to address public health challenges and promote healthier communities in Nepal.