Prez sermon on stable polity, social justice

Himalayan News Service

KATHMANDU: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav today said that political instability and social injustice were the main obstacles in drafting a new constitution. “Establishing democratic norms and values in a post-conflict Nepal has become a major challenge,” he said. Addressing an inaugural session of eighth Asian Spinal Cord Network (ASCoN) conferences, he said that Nepal’s peace process was awaiting logical ending. Around 200 people from 18 different countries have gathered in the capital for the three-day conference. The conference is expected to provide platform for learning and sharing ideas in relation to successful rehabilitation of persons living with spinal injuries in Nepal and across Asia.

“The conference will surely come up with recommendations that would help drafting health policies of the country” viewed the President. The increasing number of road accidents was the main reason for spinal cord injuries. And the treatment cost was too high for Nepalese, the President opined.

Meanwhile, Kanak Mani Dixit, chairperson Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre said that road accidents and ‘traditional’ causes such as falling from trees and cliffs and compressions resulting from carrying large loads were reasons behind spinal cord injury in Asia. “With appropriate rehabilitation patients could have their normal life back,” added Dixit.