Kathmandu, May 19: A 15-bed Covid-19 isolation facility has come into operation at local Gaushala, Kathmandu. The facility has been set up on the initiation of Marwadi Service Committee. It provides free medical care, medicines and food for the infected, said Committee chair Kailash Goyal.

The facility was inaugurated today on the witness of Deputy Prime Minister and coordinator of Covid-19 Crisis Management Centre (CCMC) Ishwor Pokhrel. On the occasion, Minister Pokhrel sought the contribution of all in a fight against the virus.

He said, “It should not be considered as the mere responsibility of the government and political leadership, the government takes a lead, but we should stand together in the battle against this crisis.” He has pledged all required support on behalf of the CCMC and the Ministry of Health and Population to run the facility in full capacity.

According to Pokhrel, at present, there are 86 labs for PCR tests across the country. Different COVID-19 treatment facilities has been established from the centre to local levels.

Minister Pokhrel further claimed that ‘people’s life’ was the first priority of the government and procurement of medical goods and oxygen plant equipment had begun following the decision of the Council of Ministers. He said that the government has officially proceeded towards the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines. The Ministry of Finance has already released budget to set up eight holding centers in the seven provinces and in Kathmandu adding that the Nepal Army will soon undertake the project.

The isolation facility with the oxygen support system at Gaushala was established in collaboration with the Nepal-India Friendship Hospital, Goyal said.

(With inputs from agencies)