Patients at Darchula District Hospital face difficulties due to the lack of a pediatric specialist for the past two years, as doctors are unwilling to serve in remote areas. Numerous children come to the district hospital for treatment, but we lack a pediatrician,” said Dammardatta Bhatta, Information Officer at Darchula District Hospital. He added that while having medical officers, the absence of a pediatrician creates difficulties in treating and examining the children.
Until two years ago, the district had a pediatrician, allowing children to receive good and affordable treatment. Birman Tamta of Duhun Rural Municipality-5 expressed that they are now forced to consult other doctors when children are brought to the hospital. He went to the hospital for his grandson’s treatment, but there was no specialist doctor available. Many suggested going to a hospital in India, but due to financial problems, he couldn’t afford proper treatment. He mentioned that he has now managed to bring his grandson home after a difficult recovery.
Due to the border connection in this district, families with better economic conditions often seek pediatric treatment in Pithoragarh, India. Locals say that since there are no specialized services at the district hospital, most patients from this district prefer to go to Pithoragarh, where such services are available. Last year, the district hospital in Darchula called for applications for a pediatric specialist twice, but no one responded, as per Dhananjay Mishra of the hospital’s administration. He mentioned that they have been hiring doctors through the budget provided by the Sudurpaschim Province government. Previously, Achyut Paudel served as the pediatric specialist in the district. This year, another call for applications has been made, but no one has responded yet.
Sanjiv Shrestha is currently serving as a medical officer at the hospital. The position of medical superintendent has been vacant since the establishment of the district hospital. Three scholarship contract doctors are working in the hospital, and the provincial government has sent orthopedic specialist Dr. Pralad Thapa. Sanjiv Shrestha, said that they have requested specialist doctors, but the positions remain unfilled. They are searching for specialists as the number of patients with orthopedic and pediatric issues has increased in the hilly district. He noted that the deadline for applications for the pediatric specialist position is November 6, and they will process any received applications quickly.