Survey Reveals Neglect of Health Equipment in Far West Province

Dhangadhi, June 7, 2024 - A recent survey of health equipment across the Far West Province has unveiled a startling degree of neglect, with many devices left unused and deteriorating.

The survey, which assessed 2,711 pieces of equipment in district, basic, and provincial hospitals, revealed that a significant portion of these resources have fallen into disrepair, particularly those acquired during the Covid-19 pandemic. Conducted between October 2023 and March 2024, the survey highlighted that more than 50 percent of the surveyed devices were donations received during the pandemic.

Despite their critical role in bolstering healthcare capacity during a crisis, these devices are now languishing in storage. Hospitals such as Bajura Hospital, Bajhang Hospital, Mahakali Provincial Hospital, Darchula Hospital, Mangalsen Hospital, Seti Provincial Hospital, Tikapur Hospital, Malakheti Hospital, Dadeldhura Hospital, Jodbuda Hospital, and Baitadi Hospital were identified as having stockpiled unused equipment.

A significant issue identified in the survey was the lack of implementation of a digital logbook inventory management system, which is mandated to keep track of the equipment's condition. As a result, 29% of the surveyed devices were found to be broken, disconnected, or unused.

This oversight has led to valuable resources being wasted, posing a risk of further deterioration if not addressed promptly. Dr. Sher Bahadur Qamar, head of Seti Provincial Hospital, claimed that apart from the Covid-specific beds, most of the equipment is in use.

He attributed the unused state of these beds to the absence of Covid-19 cases, suggesting that other equipment remains operational. The findings from this survey have raised serious concerns about the efficiency and management of healthcare resources in Far West Province.

The Department of Health Services emphasized the need for immediate action to rectify the situation. Proper implementation of inventory management systems and regular maintenance schedules are essential to ensure that health equipment is readily available and functional when needed.

The provincial health authorities are now under pressure to improve the utilization and maintenance of health equipment to prevent further wastage of resources. As the region continues to recover from the pandemic, optimizing the use of available health resources is crucial for enhancing the overall healthcare infrastructure.