2,028 hospital beds allocated free for the poor

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, June 29: The initiation taken by Minister for Health and Population Mohan Bahadur Basnet to allocate beds of government hospitals for free to the poor and impoverished individuals is being implemented effectively.

According to the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), the details provided by different government hospitals show that 2,028 beds have been allocated as free for the poor and disabled individuals.

The Kathmandu-based Bir Hospital and Biratnagar-based Koshi Hospital have already allocated 700 beds and 330 beds for free respectively.

On Wednesday, the MoHP informed that Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre (SGNHC), Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital (PMWH), Kanti Children's Hospital (KCH) and Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital (STIDH) have also decided to allocate their beds for free.

"The KCH will provide 60 beds, PMWH 450 beds, SGNHC 90 beds and the National Trauma Centre 150 beds for free," read a statement issued by the MoHP.

According to Minister Basnet, the ministry plans to make all the government hospitals across the country allocate beds for free to poor patients. 

"Alongside the government hospitals, private hospitals will also be convinced to allocate 10 per cent of their total beds to the poor," said Minister Basnet.

Minister Basnet is currently inspecting health centres across the country to ensure they are operating effectively.

While inspecting the under-construction building of the municipal hospital of Pathari-Shanishchare Municipality in Morang district on Tuesday, Minister Basnet said that the government was keen to construct at least one municipal-level hospital at every local level of the country.

According to our Urlabari correspondent Hari Prasad Koirala, during the inspection, Minister Basnet assured necessary support for the completion of an under-construction building of the hospital.

"The government is thankful to the individuals who gave their lands for free for the construction of a hospital. The hospital will have quality equipment to provide quality treatment," said Minister Basnet.

Replying to the concerns of a lack of budget allocation from the stakeholders, Minister Basnet assured that he would discuss the issue with the Finance Ministry.