Kathmandu, April 3: With the government strictly enforcing 10 per cent free hospital beds for the poor and helpless patients, more and more healthcare facilities are now complying with this provision, said the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP).
Issuing a notice here today, the MoHP shared that 32 hospitals, including 19 private and 13 public health institutions, are currently offering free healthcare services in the designated beds.
The government decided to strictly enforce the provision of at least 10 per cent free beds in all hospitals to ensure that poor, helpless and abandoned patients have access to hospital services, prevent exclusion from medical care due to financial reasons.
The decision also aimed to promote social responsibility across the healthcare facilities.
It may be noted that the first cabinet meeting of the incumbent government on March 27 this year had unveiled its 100-point work plan for effective governance, incorporating six points that especially addressed health sector reforms.
Accordingly, Hospitals such as Bir Hospital, Sahid Gangalal National Heart Centre and Kanti Children’s Hospital have been monitored and guided for necessary improvements, according to the Ministry.
The Ministry also stated that a draft Hospital Service Improvement Directive has been prepared.
Furthermore, Burn wards are being established in hospitals in Tikapur, Mahakali, Seti and Kalaiya and similar services resumed at Janakpur Burn Treatment Center.
Similarly, emergency air ambulance services for remote hilly areas are being prepared while efforts are being coordinated with the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens to consider necessary amendment in the procedure relating to emergency air rescue for at-risk pregnant women and new mothers in remote areas, it was shared.
Additionally, the Ministry has introduced QR codes and dedicated emails to collect complaints, with an integrated system now addressing grievances.
