The government has announced to provide free cancer treatment for children under 14 at selected public hospitals.

According to a decision made by Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel on Sunday, children can access this service at Kanti Children's Hospital in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital in Bhaktapur, and BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur, Chitwan.

The program, effective from November 16, aims to ease the financial burden on families of children battling cancer. Minister Paudel prioritized this initiative as a key agenda upon taking office, according to a statement issued by the ministry.

Health Ministry Spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki noted that if the government-provided funds prove insufficient, the ministry will allocate additional support from its internal resources.

Data from the Ministry’s Epidemiology and Disease Control Division indicates that non-communicable diseases account for 71% of deaths in Nepal, with cancer responsible for 11%. In 2022, the country recorded 22,000 new cases of cancer, resulting in 14,000 fatalities. Additionally, approximately 1,500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. -- RSS