Health Ministry orders free treatment for protest-injured citizens

Kathmandu: The Ministry of Health and Population has directed all federal hospitals under its jurisdiction to provide free medical treatment to citizens injured in today’s protests.

On the initiative of Health Minister Pradeep Poudel, the ministry issued a circular instructing hospitals to ensure prompt treatment for protest-injured patients without charging any fees. The ministry also emphasized improving ambulance services, ensuring easy availability at required locations, and facilitating the transfer of patients between hospitals within the Kathmandu Valley. Doctors and health workers have been urged to unite and provide coordinated care for the injured.

The protests escalated after youths gathered at Maitighar from 9 am broke through the restricted area in Baneshwor. Police initially used water cannons and tear gas and later opened fire when protesters entered the Parliament premises. Demonstrations continue across major cities, with over a dozen fatalities and numerous injuries reported due to gunfire.