The Gulmi Hospital in Resunga municipality has been operating under a zinc roofed structure as the construction of the hospital is incomplete. Approximately 400 patients receive services daily at Gulmi Hospital, resulting in overcrowding. Due to the overcrowding, the hospital has started operating the OPD services from 9 am for four months. However, the inadequate infrastructure of the hospital has caused significant challenges in delivering services effectively.
The four-decade-old, dilapidated hospital continues to provide services with only 50 beds. This overcrowding has left patients with no place to sleep. Additionally, up to three doctors are forced to share a single room to see patients. Gopal Prasad Pandey, Chairperson of the Hospital Development Committee of Gulmi Hospital in Tamghas, expressed concerns about delays in constructing the hospital building.
Gulmi Hospital was upgraded to a 50-bed facility in 2014. After nearly seven years, the National Reconstruction Authority allocated a budget for a new building, and on July 2, 2021, a construction contract was duly signed for the reconstruction process. According to the contract, the construction should have been completed by July 2, 2023. However, it remains incomplete even after extending the deadline for 6 months. An agreement was signed by the Swachhanda-Baniya JV Hetauda for the construction of a five-storeyed building for Rs 25,9564,203
Chairperson Pandey emphasized the challenges in enhancing service quality and expanding operations due to construction delays. Sagar Dulal, the engineer from the construction company, reported that the physical progress of the building stands at approximately 75%. Nonetheless, there remains a significant amount of finishing work to be completed on the building.
Despite the deadline being extended the work did not move forward at the pace as expected due to the slow work from the construction side. The new building includes separate provisions for ICU rooms, surgical facilities, medical areas, pediatric wards, and other treatment rooms. Gulmi Hospital has expanded its services to include orthopedic, gynecological, hemodialysis, and other medical services.
Similarly, Dr. Kishor Banjade, the Chief of Gulmi Hospital, explained that although progress has been made in organizing the ICU service operation, the lack of infrastructure makes all the work challenging.
This year, Gulmi Hospital ranked third in Lumbini province based on internal evaluations. However, it couldn’t score high in physical infrastructure indicators to be considered excellent. Banjade further mentioned that they have brought the attention of public representatives at all levels to both the physical structure and the ongoing construction work of the new building.
Physical infrastructure plays a crucial role in delivering quality service. However, Banjade highlighted that they operate with three or four doctors sharing one room. He added, “We’re unable to utilize the 50-bed hospital to its full capacity”. The hospital’s structure has not only affected the administration but also caused inconvenience for the citizens. Patients visiting the hospital are facing difficulties in accessing services properly.
As the largest hospital serving citizens from Gulmi and Arghakhanchi, the delay in the hospital’s physical structure is a matter of great concern. Prem KC, a resident of Resunga Municipality-3, expressed sadness over the delay, especially considering that hundreds of people rely on the hospital for daily services. He emphasized the urgency for Gulmi Hospital to be constructed and equipped with facilities promptly, rather than allocating unused budget to operate 15-bed hospitals in the Rural Municipalities.