Nagarjun Municipality sets example with well-equipped 270-bed isolation center with oxygen supply

Rojina Rai

  • Read Time 2 min.

Kathmandu: At a time when many isolation centers across the country are in dilapidated conditions, Nagarjun Municipality has upgraded its isolation center to a 270-bed strong facility with an oxygen supply system.

The upgradation of the isolation center located at Nagarjun-1 was possible following a tri-party agreement between the municipality, Nepal Chartered Accountants Association, and Pradip Poudel, a youth leader of Nepali Congress, according to Mayor Mohan Bahadur Basnet.

What facilities are being provided?

According to Mayor Basnet, the holding center follows WHO guidelines which recommend that Covid-19 patients at the isolation center should stay for at least 10 days. “We ensure healthy food for all the occupants with all other basic facilities,” said Basnet, “It will be free of cost, and medical needs such as medicines, oxygen, ambulances are also provided.”

What measures are being taken?

Many isolation centers across the country are operating in critical conditions devoid of proper health and safety protocols. However, this initiative is different as it gives health and safety measures the topmost priority.

Many isolation centers across the country are operating in critical conditions devoid of proper health and safety protocols. However, this initiative is different as it gives health and safety measures the topmost priority.

They have operated their service in a less crowded area, to check the further spread. Even the indoor portion is spacious enough; with the required distancing between two beds maintained. Every room has large ventilation windows, and a single bathroom is for only three people.

The center will also initiate mindfulness measures such as yoga and meditation to ensure the occupants are well, physically and mentally, Basnet said.

Is it exclusively for people from Nagarjun Municipality?

Rameshore Lama, a ward member, said that while the holding center prioritizes locals, everyone infected from all around the country will get admission. “We believe every individual from across the country has the right to get treated,” Lama said. “We will admit whoever is in need of immediate isolation.”

Lama expects that the isolation center will play a major role in bringing down the number of infected in the area. “There are many families who live in dingy rented rooms and for them, it is not possible to isolate completely if they catch the virus,” he said, “So the isolation center will be instrumental in preventing further spread and will come as a relief to overwhelmed hospitals.”

A total of 50 beds will be segregated exclusively for locals of the municipality, Mayor Basnet said.