At a public function held on October 27, 2006 at Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Ambassador of India performed the Ground-Breaking Ceremony for construction of a building for 200 bed Nepal Bharat Maitri Emergency & Trauma Centre at Bir Hospital, Kathmandu. The function was well attended by representatives of National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, Government of Nepal, local administration, community leaders and large number of people from the area.
Government of India has sanctioned assistance of NRs.108 crore for construction of a building for 200 bed Nepal Bharat Maitri Emergency & Trauma Centre at Bir Hospital, Kathmandu. Memorandum of Understanding was signed on July 30, 2003 between Government of India and Government of Nepal for setting the modalities for implementation of the project. Once completed, it will be the second trauma centre of its kind amongst the SAARC countries. The first trauma centre is set up in AIIMS, New Delhi. Government of India's commitment to assist Bir Hospital in terms of improved and cutting edge infrastructure is based on an agreement between Government of India and Government of Nepal signed in 1983. The commitment is a part of Bir Hospital's Master Plan for Out Patient Department and related services, so that it could meet the medical and health care needs of people of Nepal in general and Kathmandu valley in particular.
Bir Hospital is among the oldest civil hospitals in Nepal and is centrally located in the heart of the Capital city. It was sanctioned as a 300-bedded hospital in 1967 and now has 458 beds.
In 1984-85, a 5-storeyed OPD complex with the capacity to accommodate 2500 out-patients and equipped with sophisticated facilities was constructed under aid from the Government of India at a total cost of IRs.6 crores. Thereafter, a very modern Nuclear Imaging Medicine Centre as well as other equipment for use in the OPD was provided by Government of Nepal at an additional cost of IRs.3.6 crore, making this hospital the premier Health Care Institution in Nepal. The services of Indian experts were provided for a period of four years to Bir Hospital for training medical specialist in Bir Hospital's Nephrology Department.
The present project of 200 bed trauma centre is being implemented by Government of India through Hospital Services Consultancy Corporation of India as consultants and M/s Unity Infraprojects Ltd. as contractors. A Project Monitoring Committee consisting of representatives of Government of India and Government of Nepal has been constituted to monitor the implementation of project.
The Trauma Centre will be equipped with all the modern medical equipment of international standards. Implementation of the above project would go a long way in improving emergency services at Bir Hospital.
In the Health Sector, India has been associated with the construction/expansion work in case of Paropkar Hospital, Bir Hospital and Police Hospital, all at Kathmandu. Since the last 23 years, India has also been assisting in Goitre Control through the supply of iodised salt to Nepal and transportation subsidy to the remote districts. Ambulances are also gifted to Nepal Red Cross Society and other community government organisations. As of today, 40 Indian Doctors from various prestigious Medical Institutions of India are on deputation to B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences imparting Medical education to the MBBS students. B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences itself was established with Indian assistance worth over Irs. 100 crore. Government of India also assists in cataract and trachoma treatment in Nepal that cures 12,000 patients per annum.
Currently the bilateral cooperation programme between the two countries is witnessing the realisation of 158 projects in education, health and infrastructure sectors in all 65 districts of Nepal with an outlay of NRs.2,000 crores. These are ongoing projects, and distinct from NRs.1,600 crores economic package announced during the visit of Prime Minister Koirala to India.
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