Kathmandu, August 28

The Ministry of Health and Population has formed an 11-member health sub-committee headed by Secretary Pushpa Chaudhary as part of preparation for the fourth BIMSTEC summit scheduled to be held in Kathmandu on August 30 and 31.

The sub-committee has been tasked with the responsibility of making arrangements for  emergency health services in major hospitals of Kathmandu valley, summit venue and hotels where foreign guests and dignitaries will stay.

“The sub-committee will also allocate special beds and manage ambulances with doctors,” a press release issued by the MoHP stated.

According to the MoHP, 13 ICSs with ventilators, 15 isolation emergency rooms and nine VVIP observation rooms have been allocated for BIMSETC participants in Bir Hospital, Sri Birendra Hospital, Civil Service Hospital, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, KMC Hospital, Norvic International Hospital, Vayoda Hospitals and Nepal Mediciti Hospital.

Two medial teams will be deployed on August 30 and 31 — one each at Tribhuvan International Airport and Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza. The teams will be equipped with ‘A’ class on-site logistic ambulance, medicines and necessary equipment.

Sri Birendra Hospital, Vayoda Hospitals, TUTH, Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Patan Hospital and Nepal Mediciti Hospital have been designated as hub hospitals. Each hub hospital will keep VVIP rooms, emergency rooms, ICU and CCU rooms, air ambulance and helipad ready for use. Deputation and mobilisation of doctors and health workers will be as assigned by Bir Hospital, the MoHP said.

At least 45 specialist doctors and nurses will be deployed for medical treatment of BIMSTEC summit guests and participants and more than 13 ambulances will be kept standby to respond to any emergency situation. An Incident Command System led by MoHP secretary has also been formed to carry out monitoring and supervision of health service and to provide necessary direction to the medical teams.