BHAKTAPUR, March 20: Bhaktapur Hospital is recognized as one of the country’s top hospitals, yet it is grappling with severe infrastructure issues.
Nepal’s second-oldest government hospital, Bhaktapur Hospital has been declared a provincial-level outstanding hospital and has even received numerous awards. However, the ground observation unveils a different reality: the hospital is swamped under a mountain of problems.
One of the biggest challenges is inadequate infrastructure. Due to this, even a CT scan machine worth Rs 80 million is set to be installed in a temporary shelter. The shortage of space has also limited the hospital’s ability to operate at full capacity, undermining the efficiency of its services.
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“The public hearing held on Wednesday as part of Bhaktapur Hospital’s social audit program highlighted that the biggest problem is insufficient infrastructure,” said Provincial Assembly member Suresh Shrestha, “Despite having the capacity to expand services, it is forced to operate from makeshift structures.”
The hospital owns 18 ropani and 4 annas of land, but has been unable to utilize it due to encroachments. Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital and the Shahid Dharmabhakta National Transplant Center are currently operating on land originally designated for Bhaktapur Hospital. These institutions were initially accommodated within the premises when patient flow was lower. However, the patient traffic has surged recently, resulting in the construction of their own buildings, leaving Bhaktapur Hospital constricted within its own space.
According to Acting Executive Director Surendra Bhatt, the hospital’s problems are worsening. “We do not have enough doctors as per the approved positions. Besides, our old buildings are unusable, there is a severe parking crisis, and we lack space to set up dialysis machines,” he said. “Moreover, municipalities have not stepped up to take responsibility.”
Hospital Management Committee Chair Shashi Jung Thapa stated that despite these challenges, the hospital is working hard to expand its services. “Back in 2059 BS, the hospital had a workforce designed to serve 80 patients per day, but today, it caters to around 900 patients daily,” he added.
While efforts to expand services continue, delays in new building construction and handover have exacerbated the crisis. “Our goal is to make Bhaktapur Hospital the primary destination for healthcare so that local patients do not have to seek treatment elsewhere,” the hospital administration stated.
