Budget constraints delay operation of 15-Bed hospital in Kailali

Dhangadhi: A severe budget shortage has stalled the operation of a newly constructed 15-bed hospital in Baijpur, Kailari Rural Municipality-5, Kailali.

Despite the completion of the hospital's physical infrastructure, the facility remains non-operational due to a lack of funds. A contract agreement was signed with Royal Construction JV on Ashad 29, 2079, allocating Rs 185.2 million for construction, with a deadline set for mid-Ashad 2081. However, though the deadline was extended, the building was finally completed in the first week of Falgun of the current fiscal year, according to Yagam Kalel, Information Officer of the rural municipality.

Kalel stated that while the construction work has been completed, the hospital building has not been handed over to the municipality due to outstanding payments to the contractor. Additionally, essential arrangements such as manpower management and procurement of medical equipment remain unresolved due to the funding shortfall.

Naresh Chaudhary, Health Chief of Kailari Rural Municipality, confirmed that Rs 30.4 million is still due to the contractor company. A formal request has been submitted to the Ministry of Health for additional funding to clear pending payments, purchase medical equipment, and hire necessary staff.

Chaudhary emphasized that once the outstanding amount is settled, the building will be officially handed over to the municipality, and steps will be taken to commence operations. Given the urgent need for healthcare facilities in the area, he stressed that the federal government must allocate the required budget for the hospital’s operation.

The hospital project was initiated five years ago under the federal government's policy to ensure at least one hospital at every local level. Once operational, the hospital is expected to greatly benefit the residents of southern Kailari Rural Municipality, who currently travel long distances to Dhangadhi, Nepalgunj, or even India for basic medical treatment.

In 2077 BS, the Ministry of Health and Population had unveiled a national plan to establish five-, 10-, and 15-bed hospitals at local levels, alongside district hospitals with 25 to 50 beds at the provincial level.