Considered the second largest hospital after Bir Hospital in Kathmandu, the hospital with a 415-bed capacity provides a range of health care services to patients from more than a dozen districts. The hospital had provided OPD (Out-Patient Department) services to 140,000 patients and emergency services to 40,000 patients during the last fiscal year alone.

The government hospital with 70 doctors— 49 appointed by the government and 21 by the hospital management committee — has adopted strict measures barring the doctors from working in private hospitals and clinic during official working hour to maintain quality service.

“The doctors have to be within hospital premises during official working hour starting from 9 am up to 2 pm. Those found violating the directive will be liable to procedural action,” said Medical Superintendent Keshab Bhurtel.

While those doctors appointed by the management committee found violating the directive will be removed, those on government deputation will be punished by giving them a low rating. “But the provision has so far proven to be effective,” Bhurtel added.

Stating that the hospital is aiming to extend the range of health care services it provides, Bhurtel informed that they are also planning to increase the hospital’s bed capacity to 700 beds with assistance from hospital management committee in the first phase.

Presently, the hospital has been providing a range of health care services from various departments including ear, nose and throat (ENT), maternity, nutrition and spinal injury rehabilitation centre to name a few.

 “We are also preparing to introduce Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing programme along with the existing Proficiency Certificate Level (PCL) in nursing,” Bhurtel informed.

The hospital which earns a decent Rs 5 million from PCL programme alone can make up to Rs 10 million annually if the aforementioned programmes are introduced, contributing to its growth.

Lumbini Hospital turns back 60pc patients

BUTWAL: Due to the lack of essential manpower and necessary equipments, more than 60 percent of the patients visiting Lumbini Zonal Hospital have been unable to obtain needed medical services. The hospital considered one of the best in western region has not been able to increase its capacity over the years, which has seriously hindered its growth.

The hospital with just 135-bed capacity has an emergency ward with only 16 beds, said the hospital’s senior medical recorder and information officer Laxmi Raj Regmi. Moreover, in order to minimise the surplus of patients, the hospital has been discharging post-partum women undergoing normal labour without even keeping them under a minimum 24 hours of observation. (PR)