Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel has been discharged from a hospital in New Delhi after undergoing treatment for a chest-related ailment. He is set to return to Kathmandu on Sunday night, according to the President’s Office.
Paudel, 78, was airlifted to India on April 19 for treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, after he complained of shortness of breath.
“President Paudel is flying back to Kathmandu on Sunday through the regular flight of Nepal Airlines after he was discharged from the hospital following his successful treatment,” the President’s Office said in a statement.
Paudel has been the President of Nepal since March 2021, after serving as Vice President since 2018. He is a member of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) and has been involved in Nepalese politics for several decades.
The President’s hospitalization in India had caused concern among Nepalese citizens, as it comes amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in both India and Nepal. Nepal has been experiencing a shortage of medical supplies and oxygen, and the country’s healthcare system has been overwhelmed by the rising number of COVID-19 cases.
Paudel’s hospitalization had also sparked speculation about the possibility of a leadership crisis in Nepal. The country’s Prime Minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, is facing a vote of no confidence in the Nepalese Parliament, and his government has been accused of mishandling the COVID-19 crisis.
However, Paudel’s discharge from the hospital is likely to ease some of the concerns surrounding his health and the political situation in Nepal. The President’s Office has said that Paudel is in good health and that he will resume his duties soon after returning to Kathmandu.
The Nepalese government has also expressed its gratitude to the Indian government for providing medical assistance to Paudel. India and Nepal share a close relationship, and India has been providing aid and support to Nepal during the COVID-19 crisis.
In a tweet, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, wished Paudel a speedy recovery and said that India and Nepal would continue to work together to fight the pandemic.
“Spoke to Nepal’s President Shri Ramnath Kovind Ji on the telephone and enquired about the health of President Ramchandra Paudel Ji. Wished him a speedy recovery and good health. India and Nepal will continue to work together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” Modi tweeted.
The news of Paudel’s discharge from the hospital has been welcomed by Nepalese citizens, who have been praying for his recovery. Many took to social media to express their relief and happiness at the President’s recovery.
“Happy to hear that President Ramchandra Paudel has been discharged from the hospital in New Delhi. May he have a speedy recovery and return to Nepal soon,” tweeted one Nepalese citizen.
“Great news for Nepal! President Ramchandra Paudel has been discharged from the hospital in New Delhi. We wish him good health and a quick recovery. Jai Nepal!” tweeted another.
