The Dharan-based BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences referred a patient suspected of being infected with coronavirus to the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in Teku, Kathmandu, on Thursday night.

Dr Gyanendra Malla, the senior physician at the emergency department of the institute, said the patient was referred to Teku because the Dharan facility is unequipped to run tests to detect the virus.

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The 38-year-old man, who had returned to Nepal from South Korea six days ago, visited the hospital at around 3 pm on Thursday.

“The man had fever and complained of a sore throat when he visited the hospital," said Malla. "We immediately informed the doctors at the Medicine Department who suspected the patient to have contracted coronavirus. We referred him to the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in Teku, Kathmandu."

The relatives of the patient managed an ambulance to take him to Kathmandu on the same night. He was taken to Kathmandu directly from the hospital, said Bal Krishna Limbu, a relative.

The patient himself had suspicions of being infected with coronavirus, said Malla.

"We have informed the Health Ministry of the case," said Malla. The patient’s temperature was recorded between 102 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit at the institute, he said.

Meanwhile, the institute has formed a 12-member rapid response team to prevent the possible spread of coronavirus under the coordination of Dr Gauri Shankar Shah, the hospital director.

"The institute sees patients from eastern districts of Nepal and also from Janakpur and some from the Indian state of Bihar," Shah said. "The team has been formed as a precautionary measure as there is a possibility of patients infected with coronavirus visiting the hospital."

The institute has also requested the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division in Teku for medical kit, equipment and protective suits required to test coronavirus infection.

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