Till August 15, 2020, the number of deaths due to coronavirus infection has reached 102 and the number of infected people has reached 26,019. Meanwhile, the information regarding the refusal of private and government hospitals to treat the infected patients have come forward along with news of incidents of attack on health institutions and health workers.
In a press statement released by INSEC’s Chairperson Dr. Indira Shrestha on August 16, the following has been mentioned:
In the current complex situation where the number of infected people is increasing and the death toll is also rising, it seems necessary for the government to pay due attention to ensure the right to health of the people by mobilizing the necessary equipment, health workers and security personnel. We urge the Government of Nepal to be accountable for the right to health of the citizens who are suffering from lack of treatment.
The spread of infection in rural areas, cities and communities, and amid health workers and security personnel, has caused panic among the civilians. Hospitals and health institutions should not be deprived of their responsibility to ensure the right to health of the people by providing the necessary security. We urge the Government of Nepal to be more proactive in addressing difficult situations and ensuring the right to health of citizens as a fundamental right. INSEC would like to remind that it is the responsibility of the government and private health agencies to ensure the treatment of the citizens who are deprived of treatment.