CHITWAN: BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Chitwan has added 250 beds and upgraded its existing equipment to treat the rising number of cancer patients across the nation.

Earlier, in the year 2000, the hospital was established with 100 beds. Before the addition of new beds, there were a total of 194 beds in the hospital including different wards.

Dr Bijaya Chandra Acharya, Chief Executive Officer of the hospital said, "The annexed building will have 250 beds; 125 beds have been brought into operation and the remaining will be used after a few months."

The newly acquired Linyak machine, Planning machine, CT Simulator, Brachytherapy have been installed in the new building and brought into operation to treat cancer patients, Acharya shared.

Minister for Health and Population Upendra Yadav inaugurated the annexed building today amid a special programme on the premises of the hospital.

Referring to the ongoing protest of health professionals while addressing the ceremony, Minister Yadav claimed that the government would address their demands.

He further said, "The government is attempting to amend recently enforced Civil Code and Criminal Code Act in a bid to address health professionals' ongoing protest."

"The government is committed to developing this institution as the biggest and best-managed hospital for the cancer patients, adding that the hospital requires more international standard equipment to render effective and efficient care to the patients."

Chitwan's geographical environment and its close proximity to Kathmandu could help the hospital be developed as a medical hub, according to Yadav.

The government is trying to find a way to produce health professionals in an economic way. If this happens, fundamental health services would be provided free of cost, Yadav said.

He requested the hospital administration to fulfil required procedure so that the government can develop the hospital as a medical centre and produce cancer specialists in the future.

Among the visitors, the hospital diagnoses at least 8,000 to 10,000 new cancer patients every year.

The hospital is setting a target to treat more than 200,000 patients in the coming fiscal year. Last year alone, 131,000 persons had received treatment from the hospital.

As many as 20 medical officers, 100 cancer specialists and 15 Chinese volunteers are working in the hospital.