‘Abroad treatment cost of VVIPs will be paid only for services not available at BIR’

KATHMANDU: Minister for Health and Population Mohan Bahadur Basnet has said that the government will not cover the medical expenses of VIPs and VVIPs if they choose to seek services that are available at Bir Hospital abroad.

Addressing the 134th anniversary of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (Bir Hospital) on Friday, Basnet said the hospital now offers VIP and VVIP cabins, along with a dedicated 15-member medical team, and is now capable of providing services to both the VVIPs and the general public. He also urged the hospital administration to spare no effort in ensuring quality services, and assured that the government was prepared to facilitate such endeavors.

Bir Hospital currently provides 700 free beds to those in need, and its OPD services commence at 8:00 am.

Also speaking on the occasion, Health Secretary Dev Kumari Guragain said the ministry would provide needful support and cooperation to further enhance the hospital’s services.

Likewise, NAMS Vice Chancellor Pro Dr Bhupendra Basnet said that they were preparing to increase the number of ICU beds in the near future.