KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has allocated 374 beds across 52 hospitals for the free treatment of helpless and poor individuals. According to KMC's mandate, private hospitals are required to reserve at least 10 percent of their beds for providing free treatment to these vulnerable groups.

Dhanendra Shrestha, a public health inspector at KMC's Health Department, reported that since the scheme's launch last February, 70 patients have benefited, most of whom are from outside the capital. To ensure compliance with legal provisions, KMC introduced and strictly enforced the Free Treatment Work Procedure, 2080 BS, after private hospitals initially failed to adhere to the rules.

In addition, KMC has implemented an online system to monitor the availability of beds, treatment services, and other programs at private hospitals. Some indigent patients have been discharged after receiving treatment, while others continue to undergo care. Most patients seeking assistance suffer from ENT issues, kidney diseases, respiratory, and eye problems.

For information about the treatment services, individuals can contact KMC’s hotline at 1180.