KATHMANDU: A new program has been introduced by the Nepalese government to offer burn treatment for free to those who cannot afford it. At a recent Council of Ministers meeting, Prithvi Subba Gurung, Minister for Communication and Information Technology, announced this decision.

Burn treatment is provided free of charge at many medical facilities across the country, such as the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Koshi Province, the Narayani Hospital in Madhesh Province, the Kirtipur Hospital in Bagmati Province, the Pokhara Academy of Health Science in Gandaki Province, the Bheri Hospital in Lumbini Province, the Surkhet Provincial Hospital in Karnali Province, and the Seti Provincial Hospital in Sudurpaschim Province.

The Ministry of Health estimates that 57,000 people in Nepal get burn injuries each year, highlighting the critical need for readily available treatment options.

Burn care was formerly mainly offered at a select few hospitals, such as Bir Hospital, which recently rebuilt its burn section, Kirtipur Hospital, TU Teaching Hospital, Patan Hospital, and Sushma Memorial Hospital.

A significant public health concern in the nation is anticipated to be addressed by this government move, which should increase access to vital healthcare services for burn sufferers, particularly for those who are struggling financially.