Ilam, July 6:

Locals of Sumbek VDC in Ilam district have pledged to contribute Rs 100 every year to the Ilam-based Dr Megh Bahadur Parajuli Community Hospital.

“As it is the only community hospital in the district, we have decided to support it financially,” villagers said.

The locals made the decision at a meeting yesterday. The meeting also formed an 11-member fundraising committee, headed by former Sumek VDC chairman Gopi Dewan.

Welcoming the villagers’ pledge, the hospital administration promised to register patients at the Out-Patients’ Department for free and provide 5 per cent discount on medical charges, administrative officer at the hospital, Dipesh Rai said.