KATHMANDU, Oct 15: People returning from India to celebrate Dashain and Tihar are undergoing health screening at the Gaddachauki border crossing.
With festive travel increasing, border health desks are testing for six infectious diseases: malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, COVID-19, dengue and scrub typhus.
Siddharaj Bhatta, public health officer at the Kanchanpur District Health Office, said the screening aims to identify infections, ensure timely treatment and prevent their spread.
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“Anyone found infected is taken to hospital for free treatment,” Bhatta said. “For people travelling to distant districts, we contact hospitals in their home districts to arrange treatment.”
According to the health office, screening focuses on travelers with fever and those returning from parts of India where malaria, dengue and other infectious diseases are prevalent.
A total of 4,700 people have been screened at Gaddachauki so far during Asoj, which falls in September and October. Two tested positive for tuberculosis, while no other infections have been detected.
Police figures show around 2,000 people are returning to Nepal through the crossing daily. Traffic has increased as Nepalis employed in Indian cities head home for the festivals.
The Kanchanpur District Police Office has set up help desks at the border and elsewhere in the district to assist travelers and improve security.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Tek Bahadur Rawat said police had increased surveillance at Gaddachauki as arrivals rose.
“We have established traveller help desks at eight locations, including Gaddachauki and Mahendranagar Bus Park,” he said. “Security has been tightened to curb criminal activities during the festivals.”