KATHMANDU: At the time when media reports have said that private hospitals have been declining to treat coronavirus suspects, the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday ordered all the private hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients.

Responding to a writ filed by Advocate Pushparaj Poudel among others, a single bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma maintained that it is the responsibility of all the health institutions to treat patients.

The apex court has reminded the defendants that the right to health is a fundamental right of a citizen and it was inappropriate for health institutions not to treat COVID-19 patients.

The court has ordered the hospitals to manage the necessary equipment for health workers.