The government has started preparations to lay the foundation stone of 5 to 15 bed hospitals at all local levels from 15th of Mangshir. The decision was taken at a meeting held at the Ministry of Finance on Sunday in the presence of Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel and Health Minister Bhanubhakta Dhakal.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Finance said, "Funds have been provided for the construction of health infrastructure as per the government's policy of establishing basic hospitals with 5 to 15 beds at the local level." In this regard, the design of the hospitals to be constructed will be prepared by the Ministry of Health and will be made available at the concerned local level.

The meeting also decided that the procurement process will be taken forward by the Ministry as per the action plan prepared for the procurement of ICU, HDU, ventilator and other machine equipments.

The meeting also decided that the Ministry of Health will move ahead with the process to make timely amendments in the existing Drugs Act to manage the use of emergency medicines.