The government has awarded a doctor involved in treatment of Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli in Singapore with Suprasiddha Prabal Janasewashree.
Nephrologist at the National University Hospital in Singapore Dr Anantharaman Vatshala, who was involved in treatment of PM Oli when he flew twice to the city nation in a month, has been awarded with the second biggest honor after 'Mahaujjwal Rastradip (First Class)' provided posthumously to litterateur Madan Mani Dixit and the then Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Prasad Adhikari.
Three Indian doctors have also been provided the award. Uro-oncologist Dr Ananta Kumar of Max Group of Hospitals in India, orthopedic surgeon Dr Rajeev Kumar Sharma of Institute of Adult Reconstruction, Sports Injury and Joint Replacement, Delhi and oncologist Dr Harsha Dua of Apollo Hospital have also been provided Suprasiddha Prabal Janasewashree.
PM's personal doctor Divya Singh Shah, late tourism entrepreneur Ang Tshering Sherpa and Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana have also been given the same award.
The selection committee for the awards was formed under Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ishwore Pokharel. The Cabinet had taken decision on the awards Tuesday evening after the committee sent the final list.
Government Spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology Gokul Baskota claimed that the awards have been given considering some sort of contribution to Nepal. "The government has given awards due to some reasons, and in accordance to the law. Does the law state that foreigners cannot be awarded?" he argued.
As many as 634 people from various walks of life will also be honored on the occasion, according to the President's Office.
