Kathmandu: Nepal's government will now provide free cancer treatment for children under 14 at designated public hospitals. Health and Population Minister Pradip Paudel announced on Sunday that starting November 16, young cancer patients will receive treatment free of charge at Kanti Children Hospital in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital in Bhaktapur, and BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur, Chitwan.

This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families affected by pediatric cancer. The Ministry of Health and Population confirmed that this program is a priority for Minister Paudel, who introduced it upon assuming office. Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry, stated that if the allocated government funds for treatment are insufficient, additional support will be provided from the Ministry's internal resources.

Data from the Ministry’s Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control reveals that 71% of deaths in Nepal are due to non-communicable diseases, with cancer accounting for 11% of these fatalities. In 2022, Nepal recorded 22,000 new cancer cases, resulting in 14,000 deaths. Each year, approximately 1,500 children are diagnosed with cancer, underscoring the urgent need for accessible pediatric cancer care.