Kathmandu, July 19:

Health and Population Giriraj Mani Pokhrel today said that the government will soon take “strong action” against profit-driven private hospitals, nursing homes and research institutions.

“We love to see private sector contributing to the country’s health sector. But some institutions, rather than working as service centres, are found turning into ‘super profit-making’ institutions. The government will soon take action against them,” he said at the Reporters’ Club. He added that the ministry will do homework to bring such institutions within legal framework.

In addition, he promised to build at least three zonal hospitals — in Karnali, Rapti and Dhaulagiri zones this fiscal. “Though I failed to secure enough budget for the health sector, the funds allocated will be utilised to the maximum for the needy,” he said.

Further, he said that the government is considering providing indoor, OPD and emergency services for free. “It may take some time, but we are determined to guarantee fundamental rights of citizens,” he said.

Pokhrel had demanded that at least 10 per cent of the total budget be allocated for the health sector to facilitate the reconstruction of infrastructure, but the government allocated only 7.4 per cent of the total budget for the sector.