By Mahima Devkota, Kathmandu, Apr. 30: With alarming surge in the number of COVID-19 cases, seven of the major government hospitals in the Kathmandu Valley have run out of bed for the treatment of the infected persons.

According to the Health Emergency Operation Center (HEOC), Teaching Hospital, Armed Police Force Hospital, Patan Hospital, Civil Service Hospital, Bhaktapur Hospital, Bir Hospital as well as Dhulikhel Hospital are in shortage of beds for COVID-19 patients.

Dr Achyut Karki, spokesperson of the Bir Hospital, said that the 100-120 oxygen beds of Bir Hospital have already been occupied with the COVID-19 patients.

We are planning to add more beds but with these surging cases, the system will face a severe crisis. If this continues, then we will be helpless, said Dr. Karki.

Dr. Sumitra Gautam, spokesperson of the Bhaktapur Hospital, said that all of the 68 general beds are full. Six ICU beds are also packed. There are some beds left in the High Care Unit (HCI), but more than 10-12 patients are waiting for the beds.

We are now fearing of the oxygen shortage. We were somehow managing the oxygen up to now. But, within a few days we will run out of oxygen too. The oxygen plant of Bhaktpur is not in good condition, said Dr. Gautam.

Dr. Prabin Nepal, Superintendent of Police (SP) of the Armed Police Force Hospital, Balambhu, said that all the beds and ventilators of the hospital are full.

There are 140 beds in the COVID-19 ward, of them, 136 are full. All the eight ventilators are occupied by the COVID-19 patients, added Dr. Nepal.

Dr. Samir Kumar Adhikari, Chief of National Health Emergency Operation Center (HEOC) said that Nepal can have a shortage of oxygen cylinders. The beds of COVID-19 patients are being added but the cases seem to rise exponentially as well.

Dr. Adhikari urged the denizens to help the chain of the virus by being alert and follow the health safety protocols and acting sensibly during prohibitory order.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) issued a notice today appealing denizens to adhere to health safety protocols as well as to strictly follow the prohibitory order citing the exponential rise of COVID-19 cases.

The public notice acknowledges that the health system is facing a severe crisis and that it is facing strain in providing treatment and beds to surging COVID-19 cases.