Kathmandu, July 27: Minister for Health and Population Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal has directed Bir Hospital to take leadership in today's health service.

Inaugurating the 131st anniversary of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (Bir Hospital) amid a function here today, the minister viewed that the oldest government hospital should establish itself as a model health institution by expanding and providing quality service.

He praised the hospital for providing regular service and carrying out COVID-19 tests during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry has played a role in preventing and controlling the infection despite limited resources, he added.

On the occasion, Minister of State for Health and Population, Nawaraj Rawat, presented the view for further systematising the hospital so as to ensure accessible healthcare to all citizens. He further spoke the need that the hospital should deliver quality health service.

Ministry's secretary Laxman Aryal said not only accessibility but also quality should be the concern of the hospital.

As he said though the government had enough resources, there was lack of a smart and prompt working mechanism.

Academy Vice Chancellor Pro Dr Devnarayan Shaha said the hospital had been developed as a service-oriented facility for the people.

Academy rector Prof Dr Subodh Adhikari shared that its academic programmes would be further expanded. Academy Dean Prof Dr Piyush Dahal called for developing the Academy as the Medical Sciences National University.

According to hospital director Dr Kedar Prasad Senchuri, the facility is rendering quality and reliable services at the minimum charge.

It was established on Saun 12, 1947 BS by the then Rana Prime Minister Bir Shumser. Established as the 15-bed facility now it has 460 beds and additional a 200-bed National Trauma Center. Works have begun to build a 500-bed surgical building to further expand its capacity.

The hospital runs nursing and medical sciences classes from proficiency certificate level to the Master's degree.