KATHMANDU: The Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital in Biratnagar has provided Rs 12.6 million as a Dashain bonus to its staffers even at the time when the coronavirus has hit-hard different sectors.

Nobel gave a bonus to the employees at the time when different private companies have been firing employees, forcing non-paid leaves, and reducing salaries citing the pandemic.

According to the hospital, Rs 9,580,000 has been distributed to 980 employees as a Dashain bonus.

Similarly, Rs 3.128 million has already been provided to the concerned organization for the bonus of security guards, cleaners, and others working in Nobel through agreements through other organizations.

Nobel employs about 1,600 people through direct employment and contracts through other organizations.

Employees at the hospital have received a minimum bonus of Rs 8,455 to a maximum of Rs 40,000 per person.

Although the hospital has been affected by the pandemic like other areas, Nobel Hospital Director Dr. Sunil Sharma says that bonuses have been distributed to the staff as relief in the midst of the crisis.

Employees are also excited to receive bonuses on the onset of Dashain during the pandemic.

The hospital that has been spending around Rs 70 million a month on its employees’ salaries alone has also been distributing Dashain bonuses to its employees every year.

Known for its reliable treatment and quality medical education, Nobel is the largest privately run teaching hospital in Eastern Nepal.