'Action will be taken against hospitals failing to provide 10% free beds to indigent, helpless groups'

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By TRN Online, Kathmandu, June 5: Minister for Health and Population Mohan Bahadur Basnet has said that action will be taken against hospitals that fail to reserve 10 per cent of the total beds of hospitals for the indigent and helpless groups. 

Addressing a programme organized on the 10th anniversary of the National Center for Rheumatic Diseases (NCRD), in the capital on Monday, Minister Basnet said each ward is given the responsibility to identify the indigent, helpless groups and the hospitals should provide free health services on 10 per cent of beds to those who fall under the category and are recommended by the respective wards. 

Minister Basnet said, “We will do extensive monitoring on whether or not the hospitals are providing free health services by separating 10 per cent of total beds for indigent, helpless groups. Otherwise, action will be taken.” 

“I am working with an aim that no citizen should lose their life because of being unable to afford treatment or not in access to treatment. There is a need to arrange an emergency treatment fund by the ministry for such patients,” he added. 

Dr Binit Vaidya, Senior Rheumatologist said that NCRD is providing services by expanding its branches to eight different locations in the country. 

He said that the government needs to join hands in this effort of the private sector. 

Roshan Kayastha, Executive Chairman of the NCRD, said that the center will extend its services to seven more districts within five years. 




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