Kathmandu December 10 .Young journalist Surendra Poudel has been felicitated with Health Journalism Award this year. The award instituted by the United Reference Laboratory (URL) carries a purse of cash award Rs 15,000 along with a shawl and a letter of appreciation. The award is annually presented to a journalist in recognition of the contribution to the development of health sector through journalism. Gandaki State Minister for Health Development Naradevi Pun handed the award to journalist Poudel amidst sixth annual general meeting of URL. Expressing state government’s commitment to provide smooth health services, Minister Pun pointed out the need to make mothers cautious for healthy life of citizens. Gandaki Medical College Principal Dr Rabindra Prasad Shrestha highlighted the importance of quality lab for proper treatment of diseases. Chairperson of Association of Private Health Institutions of Nepal (APHIN) Ashok Palikhe said several challenges have been surfaced in course of the operation of health institutions. URL Chair Sushil Thapa said more than 3,000 types of blood test are being done across the globe and informed that they are working to make Gandaki State self-reliant on blood test