Kathmandu, 29 Oct: Ten individuals injured during the Gen-Z movement are still receiving treatment at various hospitals across the country. Several of them have already undergone multiple surgeries.
The condition of some patients is extremely painful and difficult to endure. Among those being treated at the National Trauma Center in Mahabouddha, three patients are reportedly in unbearable pain. Due to severe pain, doctors have had to administer anesthesia to them to provide relief. Out of the total 192 injured people who received treatment at the Trauma Center, only four are currently admitted for ongoing care.
Among them, Mukesh Awasthi has had the lower part of his leg amputated. Liza Adhikari from Biratnagar suffered severe injuries, with her arm torn into pieces. Prakash Bohora’s leg bone is fractured, and Abhishek Shrestha underwent surgery after being shot in the leg.
Even after several surgeries, the patients are suffering from recurring infections and intense pain, requiring the use of anesthesia to reduce discomfort.
Anesthesia to Manage Pain
Dr. Badri Rizal, Medical Superintendent of the National Trauma Center, said anesthesia had to be administered to reduce the extreme pain experienced by the injured.
“Although their condition is gradually improving, repeated surgeries and infections have caused unbearable pain,” Dr. Rizal explained.
“They will have to remain admitted to the hospital for at least a month.”
He assured that there has been no shortage in the treatment process, saying, “All medicines, surgeries, and implants are being provided free of cost.”
Regarding complaints that patients had to buy medicines themselves, Dr. Rizal denied the claims, stating that they were not true. He informed that the hospital has already spent around 70 million rupees on the treatment of injured individuals.
Since many patients will require follow-ups and additional surgeries, the total treatment expenses are expected to rise further. He added that all implants are being provided free of charge by the hospital and suppliers.
According to the Ministry of Health and Population, 10 people injured during the Gen-Z movement are currently admitted for treatment — four at the National Trauma Center, three at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, two at Kathmandu Medical College, and one at Nobel Medical College.
Treatment Costs Reach One Billion Rupees
Ministry spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki said that the total cost of treatment for those injured during the Gen-Z movement has already reached an estimated one billion rupees (NRs 1 billion).
He stated that the government has urged all injured individuals not to spend any money on treatment. If anyone has already paid for medicines or treatment, they can present their bills to the respective hospital and get reimbursed immediately.
He further said that whether treatment is being received at a private or government hospital, expenses will be refunded upon submission of the bills.
During the Gen-Z movement, a total of 2,571 people were injured across the country. Among them, 50 individuals lost their lives either during treatment or while being hospitalized.
Out of the remaining 2,521 injured individuals, 10 are still admitted for ongoing treatment, and over 300 surgeries have been performed so far, according to the Health Ministry.
