Patients are facing difficulties as the District Hospital Bijuwar has been lacking a gynecologist for the past five months. Despite having a designated position for a gynecologist at the hospital, patients are compelled to seek treatment at private medical facilities due to the absence of a specialist. Mina Paudel, 52, of Pyuthan Municipality-3, said she had to pay high fees at a private clinic for her treatment as no gynecologist was available at the hospital. Similarly, Jamuna Ale Magar, 34, of Airawati Rural Municipality-3, stated that she had to spend a significant amount of money at a private medical facility after visiting the district hospital for treatment of her lower abdomen issues, only to find that there was no specialist available.
The District Hospital Pyuthan currently holds seven specialist doctor positions, but the gynecology, ENT, dermatology, and pediatrics specialists have been unavailable for the past few months. Dr. Om Aryal, the Chief Medical Superintendent, said they are working to recruit specialists soon. He added that general medical officers (MBBS doctors) have been handling all types of patients in the meantime. Dr. Aryal admitted that the absence of specialist doctors has created difficulties at the hospital.
The specialists in gynecology and pediatrics had been working at the hospital five months ago, but their positions are vacant as they have gone for further studies. The District Hospital Development Committee has informed that they have requested the concerned authorities to arrange for the specialists as soon as possible.
Although Article 35(1) of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015 ensures access to basic health services for every citizen, patients are facing difficulties at Pyuthan Hospital due to the absence of specialist doctors as per the sanctioned positions.