Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand affected. Nepal scales up surveillance at border points.

But the disaster authority is still waiting for the monsoon forecast to begin its response and preparedness plan.

Drug regulator says the proposed budget for new fiscal year will be just enough for salaries.

Officials have found some health facilities to be charging patients despite pays by government and insurance board.

Fear of CIAA scrutiny deters officials from purchasing essential medicines and commodities at a higher price. Officials say that the cost of most medicines and commodities has risen internationally due to the rise in the US dollar price.

As federal, provincial government’s pass the buck, 34 percent of women and 43 percent of children in Nepal are anaemic.

Pre-exposure medications and outreach efforts for sex workers, drug users, and vulnerable groups have been stalled.

Only Kirtipur Hospital received the fund and has already spent it. Poor patients at other hospitals are still footing the bill.

Eighty percent of deaths are caused by delayed treatment. Nepal aims to reduce present snakebite deaths by 50 percent within 2030.

Authorities have missed the target multiple times. In 2024, the number of malaria infections was 1,043, nearly double that of 2023.

Officials say Rs380 million is needed to reimburse hospitals, and Rs600 million to continue the programme in this fiscal.

Meteorologists have forecast light to moderate rainfall for today, which could lessen the air pollution.

Officials say they are being asked to prepare programmes based on uncertain budgets with unclear funding sources.

Met office predicts rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, which could bring respite from hazardous level of air pollution.

Kathmandu Valley ranked the world’s most polluted city on Monday afternoon, with PM2.5 levels reaching 365 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3).