Narayangadh (Chitwan), Aug 16: The Provincial Public Health Laboratory in Chitwan has suspended all services, except for tuberculosis and certain viral load tests, due to a shortage of essential materials.
The closure, which began on August 12, was prompted by the depletion of supplies from the previous fiscal year and the failure to receive new materials for the current fiscal year. Ramesh Singh Dowal, the laboratory’s information officer, confirmed that a notice regarding the service suspension has been issued to inform users.
Despite ongoing procurement processes, the lack of necessary materials forced the laboratory to halt operations entirely after a gradual reduction in services. The laboratory previously conducted over 100 health tests daily, attracting patients with its affordable and reliable services.
Dowal noted that the closure has compelled patients to seek alternatives, undermining the laboratory’s reputation for cost-effective healthcare. The public health laboratory service unit was established on 1 July 2023.
