Bir Hospital's 700 beds free of charge from Friday

Kathmandu, June 23: The Bir Hospital has decided to turn its 700 general beds into 'free beds' beginning from Friday.     

 The decision was taken by the executive council of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), according to Hospital Director, Dr. Santosh Poudel. The decision followed the special initiatives of the Minister for Health and Population, Mohan Bahadur Basnet.     

Prior to this, the hospital used to charge Rs 200 per bed for a day towards the general category. Such beds are now available for patients free of charge.     

The hospital has a total of 960 beds, which includes general beds, cabin beds, and intensive care units (ICUs).     

The oldest health facility in the country, Bir Hospital is affiliated with the NAMS and it was established as a seven-bed entity with 5 staff in 1947 BS. (RSS)