Kathmandu, March 21 -- Former health secretary Dr Senendra Upreti says that during his tenure, the ministry would invite former bureaucrats, officials and experts to discuss the new budget preparation. But since his retirement seven years ago, he has not been invited to such discussions, Upreti complains.

"Leadership of the health ministry might not have thought it was worth discussing with me," Upreti says.

Not just Upreti, many former bureaucrats have similar complaints.

Most government agencies, including the health ministry, are currently busy preparing new annual budgets for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-026. The ministry has asked for suggestions on a new budget from anyone interested, but has not bothered to discuss it with the ...