Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The government has decided to provide free treatment for burn victims who cannot afford medical expenses.
Unveiling the cabinet’s decisions on Sunday, Minister of Communication and Information Technology and Government Spokesperson Prithvi Subba Gurung stated that free treatment will be provided for all burn cases except cosmetic procedures.
The government will provide free treatment through designated hospitals in each province. The government has designated BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences of Koshi Province,
Narayani Hospital of Madhesh Province, Kirtipur Hospital of Bagmati Province, Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences for Gandaki Provinces, Bheri Hospital for Lumbini Province, Surkhet Provincial Hospital of Karnali Province and Seti Provincial Hospital for Sudurpaschim Province to provide free treatment for burn victims.
According to a study conducted by the Ministry of Health and Population, approximately 57,000 people are affected by burns annually. Currently, burn treatment is available at Kirtipur Hospital, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Patan Hospital and Sushma Koirala Memorial Hospital. After a long closure, Bir Hospital resumed operations of its burn unit from this September.
Likewise, the government has decided to accept a concessional loan of $150 million from the World Bank. A negotiation team led by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Finance will be formed to discuss the loan terms which includes approximately $135 million for green, resilient, and inclusive development.
The government has also decided to exempt customs duty on goods received as grants for relief and reconstruction. Likewise, it has decided to reappoint Ashish Gajurel as director of Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee
The cabinet has also formed a recommendation committee for appointing chairpersons and members of two transitional justice commissions. Former Chief Justice Om Prakash Mishra chairs the commmittee. A rperesentative of the National Human Rights Commission, Former Attorney General Khamba Bahadur Khati, Dr Arjun Kumar Karki and Stella Tamang are members of the committee.
