KATHMANDU, 

The main opposition Nepali Congress today condemned the government’s decision to charge people for COVID-19 test and treatment.

NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba issued a press release demanding repeal of the government’s decision. Deuba urged the government to provide free COVID test and treatment services to all citizens.

He stated in the press release that the government, which was supposed to play the role of a guardian in times of pandemic, had increased people’s suffering by charging them for COVID-19 test and treatment.

Deuba stated that the government’s decision showed that it was insensitive, irresponsible and not accountable to the public and it had deviated from its duty. He said it was citizens’ constitutional and legal right to receive free basic health services and the government should enforce this provision without any precondition. “The government’s decision is not only an extremely undemocratic step but also a violation of the Supreme Court order,” he added.