Subedi had forwarded his letter of resignation to the Home Secretary on November 11 last year and sent its copies to the Health Minister and Deputy Director General at the Department of Health Services (DoHS) Khagraj Adhikari.

Sources, however, said as Subedi has backing of the prime minister, the health ministry is finding it difficult to appoint a new chief at BZH.   

Subedi is currently under the scanner of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) after being charged of embezzling around Rs 10 million during the purchase of medicines, surgical equipment and miscellaneous items by going against the norms and regulations of the Public Procurement Act.

Moreover, his appointment to the post of BZH chief had courted much controversy. The government had first proposed Dr Shyam Sundar Yadav for the post of chief of BZH. But as the then outgoing chief was mourning his mother’s demise and was on leave, Dr Yadav turned down the offer citing his inability to assume the post. Thereafter, although radiologist Dr Birendra Chand should have been appointed to the post on the basis of seniority, Subedi was appointed the chief of BZH following unwarranted political pressures.

Likewise, even a committee formed by the DoHS to probe into the death of a post-partum woman at BZH had recommended Subedi’s removal, raising a question mark over his managerial capabilities. However, no action whatsoever was taken in this regard. A resident of Basgadhi, Sushila Sigdel Poudel, 33, had died after giving birth to her child by caesarean section on February 24.

While Adhikari has remained mum over the whole fiasco, a source quoting Adhikari said that Prime Minister Sushil Koirala had issued direct orders not to remove Subedi from the post of BZH chief under any circumstances.

As the hospital is plagued by all sorts of managerial problems, hospital equipments worth millions have been left to rot. The BZH doesn’t even have a functioning Intensive Care Unit nor ambulances to ferry patients.

“The dastardly condition of the hospital cannot be comprehended in words and the appointment of a chief is crucial to make necessary changes,” said a senior hospital staff.

The ever-present political interference and nepotism in each and every sector, be it educational or health, has been blamed to be the reason behind the government’s failure to provide essential services to the needy on time.