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By Our Reporter

The communist government led by KP Sharma Oli, which is said to be led by socialist-oriented Nepal Communist Party has finally decided not to food the expense of COVI-19 test and treatment. The decision though drew criticism has already come into effect with both government and private hospitals denying to admit patients without having deposits from the concerned patients.

The decision has irked people. Moreover, even the government hospitals have started seeking deposits of minimum Rs. 50,000 before admitting a patient in isolation or ICU wards.

When the government stopped providing free test, contract tracing by ward offices have been halted and many poor with COVID-19 symptoms stopped visiting laboratories for the test. This has increased the risk of further spread of the virus. The decrease in the test from 18.000 average a day to 12,000 a day is because of the decision to not foot the test cost by the government.

The decision contradicts the Constitution and a verdict of the Supreme Court. The government has even appealed to the SC to reconsider its earlier verdict which asked the government to provide free test and treatment to COVID-19 patients.