Nov 23, Kathmandu- The government has been providing free lifelong treatment to acid attack victims, except for cosmetic treatment. Four major hospitals in Kathmandu Valley have been designated as 'dedicated' hospitals for free treatment. Those hospitals receive research funding from the government for providing free treatment services.

This year, 50 lakh rupees have been allocated to hospitals under the heading of research for drug treatment of acid attack victims.

Four hospitals providing free treatment
According to the procedure for the treatment of acid attack victims, 2078, four hospitals have been designated for free treatment of acid attack victims in the first phase. Bir, TU Teaching Hospital, Patan, and Kirtipur Hospitals have been designated as dedicated hospitals.

What should be done to get free treatment?
It is mentioned in the procedure that the victims of acid attacks should be given mandatory free first aid by any nearby hospital. Accordingly, the victims can easily get services at the nearest health institution where the incident took place. For further treatment, the health institution will have to send to a dedicated hospital with a referral letter.

If treatment is not possible in the referred hospital, they will be referred to a hospital with specialized services or a dedicated hospital from that hospital. All treatments related to acid attacks except cosmetics in dedicated hospitals will be free for life by the government. It is mentioned in the procedures that the treatment process will be based on the report given by the police.