Butwal, Oct. 17 -- The Lumbini provincial government has spent nearly half a billion rupees for the prevention and control of Covid-19 so far, but the rate of disease spread has not slowed down in the province, nor are the patients getting quality care.

According to the data of the Ministry of Social Development in the province, Rs 495.2 million has been spent to combat Covid-19 so far. Officials say a large chunk of this amount was spent on procurement of medical equipment and medicines for government hospitals and health facilities.

But despite making a big investment to improve and strengthen the medical care infrastructure in the province, patients are not getting admittance in government-run health facilities designated for Covid-1...