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Government vs private hospital scans in Kathmandu

Government and teaching hospitals publish the lowest prices in Kathmandu, but waits can be long and machines break down. Private centres are faster and cost more. Here is the trade off in numbers.

Published prices compared

TestGovernment and teachingPrivate
Brain MRINPR 8,650
3 rate lists		NPR 12,150
1 rate lists
CT head (plain)NPR 3,550
3 rate lists		NPR 5,100
2 rate lists
HRCT chestNPR 5,550
3 rate lists		NPR 8,400
2 rate lists
Ultrasound abdomenNPR 700
3 rate lists		NPR 1,350
3 rate lists

Averages of the published rate lists we track. Many large private hospitals do not publish prices, and reported private MRI prices run from NPR 14,000 to 25,000 (Kharchapatra, 05/2026), so the private column likely understates typical private prices.

Waiting times

An 08/2026 report described waits of one to two months for MRI and five to seven days for CT at Bir Hospital, with patients who cannot wait going to private centres (People's Review). Private centres generally offer appointments within days.

Machine downtime

In 06/2026 both CT machines at Bir Hospital were reported out of service for about a month, and CT at Civil Service Hospital had been suspended for about six months (Ratopati, Nepal News). Always call before you travel.

What to check, wherever you go

  • Which machine will be used (for MRI: 1.5T or 3T)
  • The full price, including contrast, film and the report
  • When the report will be ready, and in which language
  • Whether you can have the images on CD or USB

See the centre profiles for machines and published prices.

Common questions

Is a government hospital scan cheaper in Kathmandu?
Yes, usually much cheaper. TU Teaching Hospital and Nepal APF Hospital list a single region MRI at NPR 8,000, while private hospitals that publish prices list the same kind of scan at up to NPR 12,150, and reported private ranges go higher.
How long is the wait for an MRI at Bir Hospital?
An 08/2026 press report described waits of one to two months for MRI and five to seven days for CT at Bir Hospital. Waits change, so ask when you book.
Are private centres better?
Not automatically. The machine, the radiologist and the report matter more than the label. Check which MRI or CT machine the centre has and who reports the scan.

Reviewed 10/2026. General information only, not medical advice.