Kathmandu, Jan. 1 -- Until some two decades ago, thousands of children used to die of diarrheal infections. But when the government distributed Jeevanjal, an oral rehydration solution, free of cost and launched an awareness drive about the importance of handwashing, deaths from diarrheal infections almost stopped.

"Simple treatment prevents thousands of deaths," said Dr Baburam Marasini, a public health expert. "Even small initiatives could bring massive changes in patients' lives and help improve the country's overall healthcare."

The health minister appointed after the Gen Z uprising, however, has made no such initiative yet, experts say.

Multiple public health experts the Post talked to say that the performance of the incumbent Mini...