Wild Mushroom Poisoning Claims Two Lives in Chitwan; Two Critically Ill

The BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Chitwan is experiencing a critical shortage of essential chemotherapy drugs like Carboplatin and Cisplatin, impacting patient treatment plans. Dr. Guru Sharan Sah stated the shortage is due to a global disruption in the supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients, warning it could reduce chemotherapy effectiveness. The hospital has informed the Ministry of Health and Population and is seeking international assistance.

The Health Insurance Board has suspended health insurance services in all private hospitals, effective May 30, citing a growing financial crisis. This decision halts all medical care services, excluding emergencies, provided by private institutions affiliated with the government scheme until further notice. The Board stated the suspension is necessary due to the program's financial unsustainability.

CPN (UML) MP Sajida Khatun Siddiki has demanded that the government provide sufficient dialysis machines in government hospitals nationwide and expand services. Speaking in the House of Representatives, Siddiki highlighted the significant suffering and financial burden faced by patients at Rapti Provincial Hospital due to a lack of machines, forcing them to travel to Kathmandu for treatment. She urged the government to study the needs of hospitals and immediately provide necessary dialysis machines.

Nepal's Health Minister Nisha Mehta met with Bhutan's Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk in Geneva during the 79th World Health Assembly. Both ministers emphasized the need for mutual collaboration to address similar health challenges faced by their countries and discussed strengthening their respective health service systems, according to the Ministry's Joint Spokesperson Dr. Samir Kumar Adhikari.