The metropolis, which has been operating urban health clinics in 27 wards, said that it is working to expand such clinics to cover all wards. Such clinics have been providing primary health care services. [break]
"We are working to expand health clinics in the remaining eight wards," said Baburam Gautam, chief of KMC´s health department. Last year, the metropolis had added six new clinics. The Primary Health Revitalization Division (PHRD) had provided financial assistance to the KMC to run the additional clinics. "We have been getting the operating cost, free medicines and salaries for the staffers of those clinics," Dr Gautam added.
According to Dr Gautam, KMC´s urban health clinics have been serving poor people who do not have access to big hospitals.
With the increase in migration of people to the metropolis from other districts, there has been a significant rise in the number of people who fall in the category of poor. Such people remain deprived of basic healthcare facilities.
The metropolis said that out of total population residing in the metropolis, about 25 percent fall below the poverty line.
The metropolis said that over 2,500 people suffering from tuberculosis have been taking regular medication at the metropolis´ health clinics. The metropolis said that out of them about two percent have been missing.
Dr Gautam said that if a TB patient does not take medicine regularly, he is likely to spread infection to at least 15 people in a year.
Likewise, KMC´s health clinics have been also been providing immunizations and family planning services.
"Not all people can afford immunization and other health services at big hospitals," said Gautam, adding, "So the urban health clinics are needed, especially, for them." Such clinics have been providing antenatal check up.
Kedar Bahadur Adhikari, chief of KMC, also said that the metropolis is working to make health services more effective and affordable.
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