KATHMANDU, AUGUST 25
Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Paudel has pledged to provide free treatment and medicines for patients suffering from diarrhea and cholera at Narayani Hospital in Birgunj.
Minister Paudel, who visited Birgunj to assess the ongoing outbreak of diarrhea and cholera in the area, directed the hospital management to ensure that all infected patients receive treatment without charge.
"I urge Narayani Hospital to provide all necessary medicines free of cost to patients seeking treatment for diarrhea and cholera," Paudel said, adding, "If the medicines prescribed under the World Health Organization's protocol are sufficient, that's fine. Otherwise, the hospital must freely provide additional medicines as needed."
During the visit, the minister inquired about the hospital's health services and listened to patients' grievances. "Patients shared that they have been compelled to purchase some medicines," he noted.
Minister Paudel further instructed the hospital management not to charge patients for any diagnostic tests related to diarrhea or cholera. He assured that medicines would be supplied at any cost through coordination among all three tiers of government. "The Ministry will not allow a shortage of medicines or health personnel in efforts to contain the outbreak," he added.
According to Medical Superintendent Chuman Lal Das, a total of 48 patients are currently undergoing treatment for these infectious water-borne diseases at Narayani Hospital.
(With inputs from Rastriya Samchar Samiti)
