Delays in the construction of the Gulmi Hospital building, despite three deadline extensions, have caused significant inconvenience to service seekers. The failure to complete the building on time has forced the hospital to continue operating from an old and deteriorating structure, affecting service delivery. The hospital serves an average of 25 patients daily from western Gulmi and two local levels of Arghakhanchi. Currently, patients are often crammed into doctors’ rooms, struggling to find space even to stand.
Sandesh KC of Malika Rural Municipality–4 expressed frustration, stating that it is unfortunate that there is no space in the existing hospital while a large new building remains incomplete nearby. “Everywhere is crowded; there’s no place even to stand. What’s the point of constructing such a big building nearby?” he said, calling it a failure of the state.
The hospital building construction was contracted on October 4, 2021, to Swacchand/Baniya JV, Makwanpur. According to Engineer Ghanshyam Yadav of the Road, Urban and Building Construction Project, Palpa, the total project cost is Rs. 259.4 million (excluding VAT). He stated that the project has achieved 88% physical progress and 85% financial progress so far. However, the hospital’s growing reputation for service delivery is at risk due to inadequate infrastructure.
Acting Medical Superintendent Bhibhav Basyal noted that delays in construction have not only disrupted current services but also hindered expansion. Due to a lack of space, ICU services and kidney dialysis facilities have not been introduced. There is no waiting area for patients’ attendants coming for video X-rays, and outdated infrastructure and wiring are causing issues with electronic health records.
Despite repeated follow-ups with the contractor, the building remains incomplete. The Hospital Development Committee, administration, and Resunga Municipality have all taken initiatives to expedite construction, but without results. Mayor Khil Dhwaj Panthi stated that although the municipality is investing to make healthcare services more accessible and efficient, delays by the contractor are causing hardship. “We are adding specialist services for the people, but we are struggling to even provide space for service delivery. The contractor has shown a lack of minimum accountability,” he said.
According to hospital data, 72,879 patients received services in the fiscal year 2080/081, increasing to 78,254 in 2024/25 due to improved service quality and trust.
To enhance specialist services, the hospital has decided to provide incentives to six specialist doctors. Although there are ten sanctioned specialist positions, they have never been fully filled, forcing residents of Gulmi to seek services outside the district.
Recognizing this challenge, Resunga Municipality has been investing in the health sector under the vision of “Gulmi Hospital, My Hospital.” Through incentive schemes, the number of specialists has increased from one to six, with a goal of eventually filling all ten positions and providing comprehensive services with adequate facilities.