Health services in the district hospital of Bajhang have improved of late, say Bajhang locals. There is a regular presence of health workers, installment and repair of various tools and technologies, and good management in the administration department, which has triggered positive changes in the health institution.

“The hospital was in a chaotic situation earlier. But things have changed for the better now. We get timely treatment. Even the behaviour of doctors and other staff have changed,” said Dharma Raj Bohara, a resident of Chainpur.

The hospital has for long been marred with a shortage of doctors. But the vacant posts have now been filled with six doctors, including three specialist doctors and 14 staff nurses on duty in the hospital.

Laxmi Shahi, indoor-in-charge of the hospital, said the institution has now started providing orthopedic, dermatology, dental, SNCU (care of small and sick newborn) among other facilities. It also runs round the clock maternity services and a C-section facility. “We have established wards including male, female, maternity and pediatric wards. We also have a separate ward for patients suffering from communicable diseases,” said Shahi.

Patients can also avail of modern lab services, with the installation of various machines and equipment in the hospital. “Patients need not go out of the district for various lab tests now. We are providing lab services to the patients that only some limited hospitals in Sudurpaschim Province have,” said Dr Sandip Okheda, the chief at the hospital.

The hospital management has also installed an electronic billing machine and solar panels to improve their services. The hospital also solved the drinking water problem and sanitation now.

“We have proper systems in place now to get most of the work done. It has increased our efficiency,” said one of the doctors of the hospital, Milan Khadka.

With the availability of the human resources, the hospital management has plans to upgrade its services. A new building is under construction to upgrade the 15-bed hospital to a 50-bed facility. “Efforts are on to operate a blood transfusion centre within the current fiscal year. We are collecting funds for it,” said Okheda.