Nepal will provide free COVID-19 tests and treatment, an aide to the prime minister said on Tuesday, as the total number of infections was set to cross the 200,000 mark.The move follows a Supreme Court order for free treatment last week after the Communist government asked citizens who could afford to pay to do so, limiting free testing and care to only those who couldn't.Surya Thapa, an aide to Prime Minister K.P.
Sharma Oli, said all government hospitals would provide testing and treatment to COVID-19 patients for free.“Those who want fast services and wish to pay can continue to go to private hospitals," Thapa told Reuters.Experts say many COVID-19 patients stayed home in isolation rather than pay up to 150,000 Nepali rupees ($1,266.57).