The under-construction 50-bed hospital building in the District Hospital, Darchula, remains incomplete even after four years. The building, contracted to be completed within three years, has only achieved 45 percent physical progress despite approaching four and a half years since the start.
The hospital building, being constructed from Baitadi through the Intensive Urban and Building Construction Project Office, Doti, was contracted to Shyam Sundar Gorkha JV on July 8, 2021, for Rs. 264,827,000. Although the target was to complete the construction by July 7, 2024, the goal has not yet been achieved, causing inconvenience to service users in the area.
According to Gokarna Joshi, sub-engineer of the construction company, work is currently underway on the third-floor slab of the hospital building. “Although work seems continuous, there has been no significant physical progress,” he said. The deadline was extended until mid-December 2025, but that period has also elapsed, he added.
The third-floor slab has been poured, and the process for further extension of the construction timeline is ongoing, according to the construction company.
The hospital administration reported that delays in construction have also affected service delivery. Dr. Ravindra Bhattarai of District Hospital, Darchula, said that without the building, it is still difficult to operate services in an organized manner. “If the building had been completed on time, service delivery would have been much easier,” he said. “Currently, patients have to be examined in temporary structures.”
Dr. Bhattarai further noted that without a proper building in one place, it is difficult to provide proper care. During cold weather, the absence of a permanent building affects patient treatment and complicates complex operations and necessary examinations.
Problems in Indoor Services
District Hospital, Darchula, which provides services to more than 200 patients daily, is facing difficulties in operating indoor services due to the lack of a building. According to hospital information officer Dammaradatt Bhatt, services such as maternity care, ICU, video X-ray, and ultrasound are difficult to operate due to the building’s absence.
Currently, the hospital is functioning in a makeshift structure. According to information officer Bhatt, if the building had been completed soon, the hospital services would have been more effective. Operating indoor services in cramped rooms also increases the risk of infectious diseases among patients, according to hospital administration.
Stakeholders have demanded that construction work be completed quickly to improve service quality. Civil society has repeatedly drawn attention to delays in the hospital’s construction. Mahesh Bhatt, coordinator of Civil Society, Darchula, said that construction workers often remain absent from the field and only give the appearance of working. “Even construction companies show negligence in sensitive areas like hospitals,” he said.
“Because the building remains incomplete, residents face difficulties in treatment,” he added. “Pressure should be applied to penalize and blacklist construction companies that do not complete work on time.” He accused both the construction company and the project office of serious negligence in such a sensitive sector as health.
District Hospital Running on Temporary Arrangements for 39 Years
District Hospital, Darchula, has been operating for 39 years without a permanent Medical Superintendent (MESU) post. Established in 2043 BS, the hospital has been running on temporary arrangements until now.
According to acting chief Dr. Ravindra Bhattarai, staff shortage continues at the hospital. Of 22 sanctioned positions, only 13 have been filled, including vacancies for Medical Superintendent, Radiographer, Health Assistant, and office support staff.
Due to patient load, the approved 15-bed hospital is currently operating with 35 beds. Despite the absence of a proper building, management is continuing on a makeshift basis.
Dr. Bhattarai said that the hospital is currently operating with the support of scholarships, contractual staff, provincial contracts, and various institutions. In the present situation, each doctor has to examine an average of 215 patients.
He added that if there were cooperation and coordination from all stakeholders to strengthen the district hospital, it could be operated in a more organized manner without any problem.
Dependent on Donors for Blood Due to Absence of Blood Transfusion Center
Due to the absence of a blood transfusion center at District Hospital, Darchula, patients rely on donors’ blood for treatment. During complex operations and treatment of pregnant women, blood is often required, but immediate availability is a problem.
Dr. Bhattarai said that the arrival of a gynecologist has increased the number of operations, but the absence of a blood transfusion center has added further challenges. To address this, youths have formed a group called ‘Blood Donation Campaign District Hospital.’
According to Jyoti Gaire, working in the lab, the group currently has 232 members. They identify necessary blood groups and collect blood through the group, she said.
Previously, the main contributors were the Nepal Army, Armed Police, and Nepal Police, but now public participation is also increasing, according to blood donation activist Krishna Singh Dhami.
Meanwhile, the Nepal Red Cross Society, District Branch, has formed a Blood Transfusion Service Subcommittee. The committee, chaired by Gopal Singh Mahar, is preparing to establish a blood transfusion center in the district by January.
The committee stated that it is coordinating with District Hospital, the hospital management committee, local levels, and the Sudurpashchim Province government to support the construction of a building and the necessary equipment for the blood transfusion center.