Pokhara, April 4: Considering the seriousness of COVID-19 outbreak, the Gandaki State Government has restricted its health officials from taking leaves except for two reasons. A meeting of the Council of Ministers of the State held Saturday decided to allow leave only for child birth and post-death rituals of family members for its health officials.

As part of the COVID-19 prevention, control and treatment preparations, the State decided even not to approve the resignation of the health officials, State Government’s Spokesperson and Minister Ram Sharan Basnet said. Likewise, Basnet also said that the leave approved earlier has been annulled and the Minister for Social Development was directed to act accordingly.

As per the decision, medicines and equipment needed for the treatment process would be procured immediately through competitive bidding and the provision to this regard would be made from the Social Development Ministry.

If sufficient medicines and equipment were not supplied on time on competitive basis, supplies would be eased by coordinating with the federal Ministry of Health and Population and other line agencies.

Similarly, the cabinet meeting has directed government, private or community or any other health institutions to compulsorily admit patients for their treatment in case any patient comes for service to their institution.

If the patients are not accepted or treatment processes are not facilitated, the chiefs or responsible officials of the concerned health institutions would be booked as per the Infectious Disease Act.