Govt committed to control cholera outbreak: Minister Paudel

BY DIPAK PRASAD GAUTAM,Birgunj, Aug. 26: Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to controlling the cholera outbreak in Birgunj and other affected areas. 

During an inspection visit to Narayani Hospital on Monday, Minister Paudel assured that necessary resources and support would be mobilised to combat the spread of the disease.

Narayani Hospital, currently treating the highest number of cholera patients, was the focus of the minister's visit, where he directly interacted with patients and inquired about their health conditions, access to treatment, medical supplies, and the challenges being faced in the healthcare process.

During the inspection, a patient’s relative complained about having to purchase medicines prescribed by doctors, prompting Minister Paudel to immediately instruct concerned authorities to resolve the issue.

Meanwhile, a health worker informed that while most essential supplies such as saline and injections were provided free of charge, some specific medicines need to be purchased by patients.

In response, Minister Paudel directed hospital staff to ensure that no patient or caregiver was required to pay for medicines or tests. “Make sure that patients receive all necessary medications and diagnostic services free of charge. Provide patients with health services ensured by the country,” he stated.

He informed that treatment for epidemic-related illnesses in public hospitals was entirely free and that the government was committed to preventing any shortage of medicines or manpower in treatment centres.

Minister Paudel further informed that the government had already decided to provide testing kits to private hospitals and had deployed expert and technical teams to investigate the causes behind the spread of diarrheal diseases and cholera. These teams have begun their fieldwork in the affected areas.

Following the hospital visit, the minister held a meeting with Birgunj Metropolitan City Mayor Rajeshman Singh, local health office officials, and other stakeholders to discuss ongoing efforts and gather critical information about cholera control measures.

According to the Parsa District Health Office, as of 5:30 pm Monday, the number of confirmed cholera cases in Birgunj had reached 93. Of these, 32 patients are receiving treatment at Narayani Hospital and 32 at Tarai Hospital. National Medical College has admitted 12 patients, while Bhawani Hospital, Birgunj Healthcare, and Mangalam Pathology have each reported three cases. Ali Ortho and Trauma Hospital has two cases, and one case each has been confirmed at Sarvottam Hospital, Nepal Indo Hospital, Nilkantha Hospital, Advance Medicare Hospital, Narayani Central Hospital, and Nepal Medicity Bayodha Hospital.

As the number of cases continues to rise, the patient load in both public and private hospitals is increasing significantly. To support the response, a five-member medical team, including two doctors and three health assistants, had arrived from the Provincial Hospital in Gaur, Rautahat, to assist in cholera and diarrheal disease control.

Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hasmi, Chairman of Gaur Provincial Hospital, stated that the team was deployed due to the increasing number of patients in Birgunj requiring urgent health intervention. he visiting team is actively involved in treating patients, monitoring the affected areas, and supporting epidemic control efforts.

Meanwhile, Birgunj Mayor Singh has stressed the need to implement a ‘one-door policy’ for distributing medical supplies in the affected areas, cautioning against haphazard distribution that may lead to inefficiencies.

In a joint meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF, the Provincial Health Directorate, and the city’s health department, Mayor Singh emphasised the importance of a coordinated, unified response to effectively control the outbreak.