KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal is preparing to give permission to private and community hospitals for COVID-19 test as it prepares to bring Nepalis from India and third countries.

A High Level Coordination Committee for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 has formulated a plan to involve the private sector.

However, it has not been decided on a procedure, a highly placed source said.

A meeting of the Ministry of Health held on June 20 decided to provide R-PCR test to the local and foreign nationals who want to voluntarily undergo the test at the prescribed rate through the prescribed public health institutions

However, the ministry has not made any decision on the issue. And, its price is not specified.

Currently, PCR tests are conducted at 20 different locations across the country. COVID-19 testing lab has been set up only in government-owned hospitals.

According to the source, the test is being carried out following the protocol set by the World Health Organization.

The government has been conducting free tests for those who show symptoms of COVID-19, who come from suspicious places and who come in contact with the infected among others.