Kathmandu: Scientist researcher at the US-based Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Mingmar Sherpa, who returned home at the urge of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, called on the latter today. Sherpa, who returned from the US three months ago, has been running a research project in the area of public health.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Sherpa’s return was influenced by PM Oli’s address at Harvard University in Boston, US last year, where he urged Nepali teachers and students engaged in various disciplines at international universities to utilize their knowledge and experience for the betterment of their motherland. PM Oli assured full facilitation on the government’s part for such initiatives. Following his return, PM Oli sent letters to all attendees of the Harvard meeting, encouraging them to contribute to the country’s prosperity and benefits.
Sherpa informed PM Oli that he registered the Bright Vision Foundation in collaboration with the Bristle University of the UK, inspired by the Prime Minister’s letter. He is currently running a project worth Rs 100 million focused on the status of non-communicable diseases, their treatment, and proper nutrition in Nepal. The five-year project aims to establish collaboration with the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC).
The Foundation has also conducted a health camp in Solukhumbu, providing free health-checkup services to 1,500 people and imparted free training to rural residents in the district. Sherpa, who completed his studies in Immunology at Harvard University, US, recommended that the government allocate at least one percent of its budget to research to help elevate Nepal’s research-based journals to international standards.