KATHMANDU: The Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi held a consultation with Nepali medical professionals working across the UAE to address growing health concerns among Nepali migrant workers, with mental health issues identified as a major concern.

Around 25 Nepali doctors working in hospitals across Abu Dhabi and other Emirates attended the interaction programme at the embassy on Thursday, where they discussed physical and mental health problems faced by Nepali workers and recommended preventive measures.

Mental health issues more prevalent

Participating doctors said both physical and mental health problems are commonly observed among Nepali workers during medical examinations, with mental health concerns appearing in higher proportion.

High blood pressure, heart disease, kidney problems, mental stress and depression, workplace and traffic accidents, and women's health issues were identified as major health challenges. The doctors shared their professional experiences and offered practical recommendations to reduce these problems.

Photo Courtesy: Nepali embassy in Abu Dhabi

Awareness gap cited

The medical professionals highlighted several factors preventing Nepali workers from seeking timely medical care: lack of health awareness, tendency to ignore or conceal illnesses, insufficient knowledge about environmental impacts in Gulf countries, limited understanding of health insurance coverage, and language barriers.

They recommended that workers undergo medical check-ups at least once every six months, drink sufficient water, avoid or control excessive alcohol consumption, and become well-informed about their health insurance benefits.

The doctors expressed their continued commitment to providing all possible medical support to the Nepali community in the UAE.

Telemedicine, pre-departure checks urged

The participants emphasized the need for the embassy to intensify health awareness programmes in the UAE. They suggested coordinating with the Government of Nepal to introduce telemedicine services from Nepal at the earliest to support those suffering from mental health issues.

They also stressed the importance of ensuring quality medical check-ups in recognized hospitals in Nepal before departure and incorporating comprehensive health, insurance, climate adaptation, road safety, and accident awareness training in pre-departure orientation programmes.

Embassy commits to action

Addressing the programme, Ambassador Tej Bahadur Chhetri appreciated the contributions made by Nepali doctors in the UAE to both the medical sector and the Nepali community.

He assured that the embassy is committed to implementing the valuable suggestions received and requested continued cooperation from Nepali doctors across all Emirates to conduct health awareness initiatives in the future.

The consultation comes as Nepal continues to send thousands of workers to the UAE annually, making their health and welfare a priority concern for diplomatic missions.