Govt to cover costs for dengue treatment: Health ministry

KATHMANDU, Aug 8:  The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) has announced that the government will cover the cost of treating dengue patients at government hospitals. This decision comes in response to the rising number of dengue cases in the country.

Dr Prakash Budhathoki, the spokesperson for the ministry, said that all government and non-government offices as well as hospitals must participate in a 'Find and Destroy Mosquitoes' campaign on their premises every Friday. This initiative is aimed at reducing the spread of dengue by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.

The ministry has also instructed government hospitals to set up a 'dengue desk' and appoint a contact person to coordinate the treatment and management of dengue patients. Additionally, a vigilance and awareness program about dengue infection is to be conducted in various offices.

Spokesperson Dr Budhathoki said that controlling dengue requires collective efforts from all provincial and local agencies, not just the health sector. 

So far this year, 2,365 people in 73 districts have contracted dengue, with one death reported. The ministry's proactive measures aim to curb further spread and provide necessary treatment to affected individuals.