Sudha Sharma Gautam Biography
Dr. Sudha Sharma Gautam is a retired health bureaucrat, physician, obstetrician-gynecologist, and public health expert from Nepal. She has had a long career in clinical care, government service, and international health organizations. She previously served as Health Secretary and has held leadership roles in hospitals, national and international medical associations. Dr. Sharma has worked with UNICEF Tanzania and advised WHO and other UN bodies. In October 2025, she was appointed Minister for Health and Population in Nepal under Prime Minister Sushila Karki, focusing on mental health, transparency, and healthcare access.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Sudha Sharma Gautam |
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| Date of Birth | Yet to Review |
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| Birthplace | Yet to Review |
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| Profession | Retired health bureaucrat, physician, obstetrician-gynecologist, and public health expert |
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Detail Facts
- Sworn in as Minister for Health and Population following a recommendation by Prime Minister Sushila Karki during cabinet expansion in October 2025.
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On October 26, 2025, Prime Minister Sushila Karki administered the oath of office to her interim cabinet, which included two new ministerial appointments. Dr. Sudha Sharma Gautam and Bablu Gupta were sworn in as ministers by President Ramchandra Paudel at the President's Office, Sheetal Niwas.
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- Served as Health Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Population (2008–2011); resigned due to political pressures and corruption challenges.
- Announced her first ministerial decision to provide psychological counseling to individuals injured during the Gen Z anti-corruption protests.
- Plans include ensuring transparency in medical procurement processes and arranging free health insurance for families of those who died during protests.
- Served as Chief of Health and Nutrition at UNICEF Tanzania, chairing the Development Partners Group.
- Advisor and consultant for WHO, various UN agencies, and NGOs; contributed to developing the “Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health Roadmap 2030.”
- Hospital leadership: Professor and Director at Propakar Maternity and Women's Hospital; currently Co-Director at CIWEC Hospital, Kathmandu.
- Held leadership positions: President of Nepal Medical Association, Nepal Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and South Asian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Chair of Education Committee, Asia Oceana Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
- Recognized internationally for contributions to women’s health and public health, including the “Woman of the Year” award from FIGO.
- Also served as an advisor to former Health Ministers Pradeep Poudel and Gagan Thapa.
