KATHMANDU: Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel stated that efforts are underway to enhance the capacity of the National Public Health Laboratory to test for all diseases.

Speaking at a large health camp organized on Sunday in Kathmandu to mark the 34th anniversary of Nepal Press Union, Minister Paudel said that before his tenure, only 20 percent of tests were conducted at the laboratory.

Since he took office, testing capacity has increased to cover 50 percent of diseases. He added that private hospitals are also being encouraged to use the National Public Health Laboratory for their testing needs.

The minister mentioned that budget has been allocated to ensure all tests can be done within the country, eliminating the need to send samples abroad.

Furthermore, 55 percent of the damaged equipment has been repaired and is now operational through the National Innovation Center.