The Province 5 government has set criteria of academic qualification and experience conditions for the appointment of the hospital development committee chief.

A cabinet meeting on Monday approved a proposal put forth by the provincial Ministry of Social Development regarding the appointment of the hospital development committee chief of the district and provincial level hospitals.

According to the new provision, one should hold at least a Bachelor’s degree from a university recognised by the government of Nepal to be appointed as the chief. Similarly, the candidate should have worked in the government health service sector for at least 10 years or any other health sector for at least five years to be qualified for the post.

There are 11 district hospitals and three provincial-level hospitals in Province 5. Due to the lack of necessary legal provisions, the hospitals are being managed by forming a development committee under the chairmanship of the district coordination committee chief.

Social Development Minister Sudarshan Baral expressed his hope that the new provision with required qualification and experience a candidate should carry will help resolve the existing problems in government health facilities.

“From now on a competent person will lead the hospital. The chief of the hospital development committee needs at least basic qualification to mobilise doctors and other health employees,” said Minister Baral. Until now, party leaders and social campaigners were generally appointed as the chief of the hospital development committee.