Bir Hospital Introduces Multi-Virus Testing to Boost Early Diagnosis

Bir Hospital, Nepal’s oldest medical institution, has launched simultaneous testing for multiple respiratory viruses at its Medical Genetics Laboratory. The new facility can now test for 10 respiratory viruses at once, significantly reducing costs and enabling earlier detection, said Dr. Nilam Thakur, Chief of the Department of Medical Genetics.

Dr. Thakur added that the hospital is ready to provide treatment for conditions identified through these tests. Although the lab was established in 2073 BS, its full operation was delayed due to limited equipment and staffing, with only three personnel currently managing the facility.

In a parallel development, Bir Hospital has also started testing for six viruses linked to brain infections, marking it as the first government-run facility in Nepal to offer comprehensive genetic health testing services.