Locals Protest Closure of Laboratory at Shrikot Health Post, Demand Immediate Restoration

Baitadi: Locals have protested after the laboratory service operating at Shrikot Health Post in Dogadakedar Rural Municipality-3 was closed and relocated.

The rural municipality moved the laboratory equipment from Shrikot Health Post last Ashar, stating that laboratory services would be operated from the 10-bed hospital constructed in Sittad, Ward No. 6.

However, although construction of the basic hospital building has been completed, the service has not yet come into operation. Locals say the laboratory equipment has also been kept inside the hospital premises.

When the laboratory service was operating at Shrikot Health Post, citizens from Dogadakedar Rural Municipality-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, as well as Dasharathchand Municipality-1, were using the service. Locals say that after its closure, residents of these areas have been forced to go elsewhere even for general health tests.

Demand for restoration, warning of further protests
Locals have demanded that the laboratory service be restored, arguing that it was closed without making alternative arrangements. Local resident Balraj Bhatta said alternative arrangements should have been made before shifting the service to the basic hospital.

“We are against cutting the laboratory services without making alternative arrangements. The relocated laboratory should be restored, otherwise we will hold more agitation programs,” he said.

Laboratory services had been operating at Shrikot Health Post since 2075 BS. Locals say it is inappropriate to remove a service that has been operating for years from the health post in the name of operating a basic hospital.

Local resident Ganesh Bista said that after the laboratory service was closed, people have been forced to travel to the district hospital even for general health tests. According to him, residents are compelled to travel to the district headquarters for laboratory tests even when viral fever is spreading in the village.

Locals say pregnant women also have to travel to the district headquarters for blood group and hemoglobin tests required during their first pregnancy check-up.

Locals have expressed anger over what they describe as a secret decision by the rural municipality to move the laboratory and eye treatment center from Shrikot Health Post.

Petition submitted to District Administration Office
After the laboratory service was closed and relocated, locals submitted a petition to the District Administration Office, Baitadi, demanding its restoration.

In the petition, they accused the rural municipality of failing to show seriousness toward the health services of local citizens. They complained that the laboratory was moved without informing locals and that their concerns were not addressed even when they approached the municipality to understand the matter.

Rural municipality says services will operate from basic hospital from Asoj
Dogadakedar Rural Municipality has said preparations are underway to provide all kinds of services from the basic hospital from Asoj.

Rural municipality spokesperson Dinesh Prasad Bhatta said the laboratory had to be closed after employees working at the laboratory, which had been operated using the municipality’s own resources, left their jobs.

According to him, the laboratory service will also be operated from the hospital as the process of managing manpower and necessary equipment for the basic hospital constructed in Ward No. 6, Sittad, has been initiated.

The O&M of 22 people has been approved, and staff selection is underway to bring the hospital into operation. Spokesperson Bhatta said the rural municipality will also operate the laboratory service there, believing that effective services can be provided from the basic hospital because laboratory test results are reviewed by doctors.

Meanwhile, locals have claimed that it is easier for service recipients to reach the district hospital than the basic hospital in Sittad. They said the hospital was constructed without adequate study of the needs and accessibility of local residents.