Health facilities in Kalikot have been reeling under a shortage of medicines that the government has categorised as free-of-cost.

The Regional Medical Store in Nepalgunj and the Central Medical Store in Pathaliya have not supplied the medicines in the district for the last two years. There are 28 health posts, one primary health centre and a district hospital in Kalikot.

Dr Kaushal Ali, chief of the District Health Office, said since office have been purchasing medicines with a portion of the annual fund provided by the Ministry of Health, it was unable to supply medicines to all health facilities in the district. 

Due to the shortage of medicines, most of the health institutions have been referring them to hospitals in Nepalgunj and Surkhet for treatment.

Though the government provides 70 types of free medicine from the district hospital, 42 types of free medicines from primary health centre and 35 types of free medicines from the heath posts, this service is not available in Kalikot.

Besides the shortage of medicines, the health facilities in Kalikot are also understaffed.

Dr Ali said 30 positions of health workers, including specialist doctor, auxiliary health workers, health assistants and nurses, are vacant.