DAMAULI: Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel inaugurated dialysis services at the GP Koirala National Center for Respiratory Diseases in Belchautara, Shuklagandaki Municipality-5, on Wednesday.
The dialysis service has been launched in collaboration with Lions Club International 325 L. Seven dialysis machines have been installed at the center, following the successful trial run of three machines conducted earlier.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Paudel announced that 25 percent of the pending amount under the government’s health insurance scheme will be cleared within a week. “The payment for the month of Baisakh has already been made, except for a few cases. Now, payments up to Saun (mid-August) will be completed,” he said.
He also outlined the government’s broader health initiatives, including expanding heart treatment services and enhancing cancer and kidney transplant facilities in all seven provinces. “Work has begun to complete these initiatives within this fiscal year,” he added.
With the launch of dialysis services at the GP Koirala Center, kidney patients in the region will no longer need to travel elsewhere for treatment.
Center Executive Director Dr. Ram Kumar Shrestha stated that dialysis will initially operate in a single daily shift, treating up to five patients per day. Four nurses have already received specialized training for dialysis services.
Established in honor of former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, the center aims to become South Asia’s leading respiratory treatment facility. It currently offers services in orthopedics, neurology, general surgery, and internal medicine, provided by specialist doctors.
In addition to these, the hospital has also introduced laboratory culture tests, 24-hour emergency services, outpatient services, video X-ray, minor surgeries, and respiratory treatment. According to hospital officials, over 250 patients visit daily, with 40 to 50 seeking treatment for respiratory issues.
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