COVID-19 test to begin in Dhulikhel today

Laboratory test for Coronavirus is to begin from Dhulikhel hospital today. The test will be carried out initially only two days a week in the first phase.

The number of days for the test of COVID-19 could be increased as per the situation of the transmission of the contagious disease, said Dr Rajendra Koju of the hospital. As testing tools including sufficient PPE are gradually being managed, we have decided to do it only twice a week for the moment, he said.

All preparations for the test of the virus have been completed and will begin today. The Bagmati State government has provided the hospital a budget of two million rupees for COVID-19 testing and treatment.

Beginning of the test at Dhulikhel hospital will benefit the people in neighbouring Sindhupalchowk, Dolakha, Ramechap, Sindhuli districts and some areas of Bhaktapur district as well, along with Kavrepalanchowk, said Chief of the District Public Health Office Dr Narendra Jha. Prior to this, the test had to be done by sending the swab to the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in Teku, Kathmandu.