A total of 699 structures belonging to 40 health institutes, which were damaged by last year’s devastating earthquake and its aftershocks, have been rebuilt and repaired, according to the Ministry of Health.

Twenty-five health facilities have been rebuilt and 15 repaired in Sindhupalchok, Kavre, Gorkha and Dhading, among others. All of the facilities have been established using prefabs and local materials.

Mahendra Shrestha, chief of Policy, Planning and International Cooperation Division, said they have focused more on rebuilding the health posts and primary health care centres as these ground-level facilities directly cater to the health needs of the public. “We will inspect other completed health facilities before handing them over to the ministry to resume services,” said Shrestha. 

The ministry has sought Rs6 billion for the reconstruction of the destroyed health facilities. It has signed memoranda of understanding with 45 donors and NGOs who have agreed to build 348 health facilities in the 14-worst affected districts. As per the deal, 248 health facilities will be rebuilt and 39 others repaired using prefab and local materials.

Unicef has agreed to build 74 health facilities. The Japan International Cooperation Agency Nepal has agreed to construct the damaged buildings of Bir Hospital and Maternity Hospital at Thapathali in the Capital, while German Development Cooperation has pledged support to rebuild hospitals in Gorkha, Manang, Dolakha and Ramechhap. The Korea International Cooperation Agency has agreed to rebuild Nuwakot District Hospital, while the Chinese government will rebuild Chautara District Hospital and the US Agency for International Development will rebuild Bahrabise PHC in Sindhupalchok, among others. The hospitals are under designing phase, Shrestha said. (PR)