KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) and Nepal Army (NA) have collaborated to begin free hemodialysis services at the Chhauni-based Birendra Military Hospital.

Sixty-four years old Chandra Devi Maharjan of KMC-15 was the first beneficiary of the service inaugurated by KMC Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya by switching on the hemodialysis machine.

KMC and NA had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on December 18 last year for operating the free service.

As per the agreement, KMC will provide Rs 30 million to NA for managing the hemodialysis machine, other physical facilities and human resources.

The service would be provided in the initial stage on the recommendation of the KMC’s related ward office and the Public Health Division.