KATHMANDU, July 23: The government has decided to provide 700 ropanis of land to Bir Hospital, the country's oldest hospital, at Duwakot, Bhaktapur district.

A cabinet meeting held at Singha Durbar on Friday decided to provide the land to allow the 125-year-old hospital to expand its facilities.  

"The meeting decided to provide the land to the hospital so that it can expand and modernize its healthcare facilities and provide specialized and international standard treatment to members of general public," Minister for Information and Communications Sher Dhan Rai.

The hospital was established in 1889 by the then prime minister Bir Shamsher Junga Bahadur Rana, paving the way for the practice of modern medicine in the country. The hospital, which began with just seven beds, has now a capacity of over 400 beds. Hundreds of patients from across the country visit the hospital as it is a national referral center and is renowned for providing quality care at affordable price. But in lack of space, the hospital was facing tough time expanding its facilities in line with the international standard.

"But now, the meeting has paved the way for the hospital's expansion," Minister Rai said.

He said that the decision was made in line with the government's announcement to upgrade the hospital in line with international standard in the new budget program for the fiscal year 2016/17.

According to officials of National Academy of Medical Sciences, a 200-bed facility with advanced laboratories and administrative offices will be built in Duwakot.  

Last week, a team comprising of Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel, Vice-Chancellor at the National Academy of Health Sciences, Ganeshman Gurung, and some doctors had carried out an onsite visit of the land in Duwakot.

 
• cabinet meeting
 
• 700 ropanis of land
 
• bir hospital