Kathmandu. The government is set to complete the construction of 336 basic hospitals in the next three years. Presenting the budget for coming fiscal year 2083/84 in a joint session of the federal parliament today, Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle said that the hospitals under construction would be completed within this period.

The government has allocated Rs 5.90 billion for the construction of a basic hospital, said Dr Wagle.

In the budget statement, Finance Minister Dr Wagle said a basic hospital would be constructed at one local level in every province having low human development index.

It has been mentioned in the budget to expand the burn treatment service in the federally specialized hospital. He has also mentioned in the budget that the capacity of Bir Hospital and Kirtipur Hospital will be developed for the intensive treatment of burns.

The budget has also mentioned to construct a kidney treatment center and trauma center in Madhes state. Similarly, the government has also announced to provide free treatment of cancer in children in government hospitals.

Budget has also been allocated for upgradation of Dhulikhel Community Hospital and Kathmandu Institute of Child Health.

Tax concessions have been provided to Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology to encourage eye lens production. The budget has stated that the government will deploy rapid response teams to the affected areas for epidemic prevention and response.

The budget has stated that a ‘Food and Drug Administration’ would be established to ensure the quality and regulation of the production and supply of medicines and diagnostic and other health food items in the country.