Sep 11, Kathmandu - Kathmandu Metropolitan City has announced a new initiative to provide free treatment of up to NPR 200,000 for individuals suffering from burns. The scheme aims to assist the most vulnerable groups, including those affected by violence, the extremely impoverished, and unattended patients, based on recommendations from the City’s Health Education Committee. Additionally, residents within Kathmandu, legal migrants, city representatives, officials, and their families will also be eligible for this benefit. The treatment costs will be covered from a dedicated fund, with restrictions on using the money for cosmetic or outpatient services.

The agreement to implement this scheme was signed on Friday between Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Kirtipur Hospital (Public Health Concerns Trust). Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol, Chief Administrative Officer Mukti Ram Aryal, Health Department Head Deepak Kumar K.C., and Executive Director Gauri Pradhan from the hospital participated in the signing ceremony.

To support this service, the municipality has allocated NPR 20 million to the hospital, with NPR 10 million specifically designated for the burn treatment fund. These funds will be used exclusively for burn-related treatments and will be carried over to subsequent years if unused in the current fiscal year. Additionally, NPR 10 million was provided last year for purchasing medical equipment, including an anesthesia machine, a generator, and a digital X-ray machine, which were handed over to the hospital by Acting Mayor Dangol.

Dangol emphasized the importance of accessible treatment, stating, “No one should suffer burns without proper care, and no patient should leave the hospital due to lack of money. We have established this fund to ensure that everyone receives timely treatment without financial burden.” She further announced plans to conduct capacity-building programs for firefighters, law enforcement, health workers, and city officials on burn prevention and safety measures.

The hospital’s digital X-ray machine, which can serve up to 100 patients daily, along with other medical infrastructure, aims to improve emergency services. The municipality is also preparing to establish a dedicated hospital facility to enhance public access to healthcare services.

In the 2022/83 fiscal year, the municipality assisted the hospital with approximately NPR 10 million for medical equipment and supplies. Muktiram Aryal assured continued support to enhance service quality and capacity. Hospital Executive Chairman Dr. Bhatkumar Pradhan expressed gratitude for the municipality’s assistance, emphasizing their willingness to contribute to public health.

Dr. Shankarman Rai highlighted progress in burn treatment over the past decade, noting that their capacity to save patients with 50% burns has increased from 40% to 50%. He expressed hope that with further support from various agencies, they could save up to 70% of burn victims within the next ten years.

As part of the agreement, capacity-building programs, safety awareness campaigns, first aid training, and preventive measures will be conducted to reduce burn-related accidents. The initiative aims to ensure that no Kathmandu resident faces financial barriers to receiving burn treatment, significantly reducing the number of untreated victims.