All tests to be conducted at the National Public Health Laboratory, with emphasis on expanding the laboratory's capacity

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – The government has committed to enhancing the capacity of the National Public Health Laboratory with the aim of conducting all types of disease testing within the country.

Speaking at a large health camp organized in Kathmandu on Sunday to mark the 34th anniversary of the Nepal Press Union, Minister for Health and Population, Mr. Paudel, shared this information.

He mentioned that prior to his tenure, only about 20% of tests were conducted within the country, but now that figure has increased to 50%. He stated, "In the past, most of the tests had to be sent abroad. Now, by expanding the capacity of the National Public Health Laboratory, we have made it possible to conduct nearly 50% of tests domestically."

Minister Paudel also noted that not only government but also private hospitals are now able to use the services of this laboratory.

According to him, the government is preparing to make testing services fully available within the country through budget allocations. He added that broken equipment in the laboratory has been repaired and brought back into operation with the help of the National Innovation Center. "About 55% of previously discarded equipment is now back in use," he said.

It has been reported that the Ministry of Health has allocated funds in the current fiscal year’s budget for building necessary technical infrastructure and managing equipment. Minister Paudel claimed that this will make it possible to carry out all types of tests within Nepal in the near future.