Aug 29, Kathmandu - Rapti Health Science Institute in Ghorahi has provided free medical services to 43 underprivileged, vulnerable, and destitute citizens over the past three months. Following the government's announcement to offer 10% of hospital beds and treatment free of charge nationwide, the institute has actively implemented this policy from Jeth to Sawan months.

Since May 15, the institute has allocated 30 beds exclusively for impoverished and needy patients, offering them free treatment. According to Hospital Director Dr. Suresh Rasaili, the institute, which has a total capacity of 300 beds, has been providing these free services specifically to 43 individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds during this period.

The initiative primarily targets low-income residents based on local identification and verification. However, due to limited publicity about the free services, the number of beneficiaries has remained relatively low. Despite this, the availability of free treatment has brought joy to many patients, especially in a region where daily hospital visits number in the thousands.

Dr. Rasaili highlighted that the institute has been offering free services to economically disadvantaged citizens through its social service unit even before the government's policy. With the new directives to allocate 10% of beds for free treatment, the institute has prioritized providing these essential services to those in need.