Dhaka, June 2 -- The government has directed private hospitals across the country to provide free treatment to dengue patients in at least 10 percent of their beds, said Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain on Tuesday.

"Under the new directive, private hospitals will reserve 10 percent of their beds for dengue patients and waive doctors' consultation fees for those receiving treatment. Patients will only have to bear the costs of medicines and meals," the minister told reporters after a meeting on dengue prevention and preparedness.

Besides, private hospitals have been asked to offer discounts of up to 80 percent on diagnostic tests for dengue patients, he said.

Meanwhile, all private hospitals must submit deta...