Kathmandu, July 24 -- Nepal's plan to expand nutrition rehabilitation centres at hospitals has been on hold for four years, as budget shortfalls stall services vital for saving severely malnourished children.

The Ministry of Health and Population had planned to gradually expand 10-bed nutrition rehabilitation centres in hospitals with 50 beds every year. However, no new nutrition rehabilitation centre has been established since 2021, and officials blame lack of funds for halting the expansion of these crucial facilities.

"Every year, thousands of children from across the country suffer from severely acute malnutrition, who need hospitalisation and treatment under the close monitoring of health workers at nutrition rehabilitation homes,"...