Kathmandu, Feb. 18 -- Screening for four major non-communicable diseases-hypertension, diabetes, kidney function, and obesity-in Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) will begin only after mid-March, as authorities have postponed the planned programme due to the March 5 parliamentary elections.

As the election code of conduct prohibits large gatherings at any location, officials at KMC's Health Department said they have decided to postpone the planned screening programme by around a month.

"Month-long screening of four major non-communicable diseases will start only after mid-March," said Dr Deewash Neupane, an official at the department. "We have also decided to continue free screening of cervical cancer at Bir Hospital and are also planni...