Kathmandu: Bir Hospital, the country’s oldest hospital, has begun providing out-patient services from Duwakot, Bhaktapur.

As many as 15 patients were provided general health check-up services on the first day on Wednesday.

According to Bir Hospital’s Director Dr Bhupendra Basnet, a team of doctors, along with deputy mayor of Changunarayan Municipality, inaugurated the outpatient services. The hospital has been constructing a new building on 570 ropanis of land it owns in Duwakot.

A team of seven doctors, a specialist, two medical officers, nurses and paramedics, among others, will provide regular services at the new facility. “Within six months, we will also provide X-ray and lab services,” said Dr Basnet, adding that the hospital would also launch other services as per the necessity of locals.

Apart from regular services, the hospital will also provide specialised services. “We will send specialist doctors from the central hospital to Duwakot hospital for the purpose.”Patients with serious health problems will be referred to Bir Hospital. “Patients referred by the Dhulikhel facility to central hospital will not have to buy tickets for health check-up,” said Dr Basnet, adding, “Construction of the hospital building in Bhaktapur will help to reduce the pressure of patients at the central hospital.”