KATHMANDU: Outpatient department (OPD) services is government-run hospitals will now be available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

According to the policy and program for the financial year 2080/081, a health center with basic health check-ups and treatment facilities will be established in every ward.

The policy and program say that all federal hospitals will be developed as teaching hospitals.

“A policy will be taken to gradually expand government hospitals into all seven provinces by developing them as well-equipped hospitals with specialized medical services”, reads the statement.

Air ambulance services will be operated in remote areas to prevent the death of people in remote areas due to a lack of timely treatment.

Provision has also been made to give doctors working in basic hospitals the opportunity to study higher medical education.

At least one provincial-level hospital shall be developed as a super specialty hospital that can diagnose heart and cancer diseases.

Campaigns against infectious diseases and special programs for the treatment of non-communicable diseases will be conducted.

Similarly, arrangements will be made for the diagnosis and treatment of autism while free early detection and treatment of cervical cancer and breast cancer in women will be gradually expanded throughout the country as a special program.

The government has said that the Department of Drug Administration will be transformed into the Department of Food, Medicines and Health Technology.

Similarly, the Singhdarbar Baidyakhana and Herbs Processing Center will be re-structured to make the services of Ayurvedic hospitals effective.