Chief Minister of Gandaki State, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has made an onsite visit of Dhaulagiri Zonal Hospital, Baglung, on Friday.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Gurung enquired about ongoing treatment of coronavirus infected people, health service delivery and facilities, managerial capacity and challenges facing by the hospital.

The hospital management said that two coronavirus infected people are receiving treatment at the hospital.

Pointing out the need of support from all sides in the fight against COVID-19, he urged doctors and health workers not to leave any stone unturned in the treatment of the infected people.

“The state government has made arrangement for all necessary means and recourses. The hospital can play effective role in the treatment of patients and in the campaign to prevent coronavirus infection”, added CM Gurung.

He noted the Gandaki state government is well aware about complexities involved in treatment due to lack of necessary medical appliances so they have provided support keeping Dhaulagiri Hospital on top priority.

Briefing about coronavirus infected patients, Hospital management committee chair KB Rana, Medical Superintendent Dr Shailendra B Pokharel, and physician Dr Pradeep Shrestha drew attention of CM Gurung about the challenges being faced by the hospital in providing treatment to contagious patients.

He also urged the hospital to expand four-bed isolation ward. Two coronavirus infected patients are undergoing treatment at isolation ward and their health condition is normal, according to the hospital. The Gandaki state government has already provided a ventilator at the hospital for the treatment of coronavirus infected patients.

Coronavirus test of 4,146 abroad returnees in Gandaki state from mid-March to mid-April would be carried out.

According to the State Health Directorate, rapid diagnostic test (RDT) would be carried out to prevent possible spread of COVID-19. The lab test is being carried out on all abroad returnees to know their situation after nine persons confirmed to have infected with virus in the country.