Dec 23, Kathmandu- The government has stated that it will provide free medicines and quality treatment to patients with sickle cell disease.

Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Paudel gave this assurance while inaugurating the state-of-the-art 'Operation Theater' established at Bheri Hospital, Nepalgunj today. He expressed his commitment that the government will not allow any deficiency in the treatment of sickle cell and thalassemia patients. Informing that a letter has been sent to the Indian government to request medicine for sickle cell patients and it is in the final stage, Minister Paudel said that all the procedures have been completed after India agreed to provide the medicine.

Minister Paudel said that the government is continuing various works for the treatment of patients and pointed out the need to regularly conduct various awareness programs to prevent and protect against diseases. Stating that the government is also working to systematize insurance, Minister Paudel said that the insurance is being made contribution-based. He mentioned that after the establishment of a separate ward for sickle cell patients, the problem of patients not getting beds has been resolved.