After the one third budget allocated for the hospital ran out, the program of free medicine distribution to poor people is about to stop. “We are out of money to buy medicines,” said Baleshwor Kamat Chairman of Koshi Zone Hospital Development Board.[break]
A clear notice stating the closing of free medical treatment and medicine distribution has been pasted on the notice board of the hospital. “We have sent the news to the Ministry of Health,” said Baleshwor.
A budget of Rs 5 million was being allocated to the hospital annually. “I personally requested the Health Minister for immediate allocation of budget when he was in Biratnagar,” said Baleshwor.
He claimed he himself bore all the expenses for free medical treatment in the hospital for one and half month. Last year the hospital provided 460,500 patients free medical treatment.
Despite the budget crunch, the hospital has started their selection of suppliers for the purchasing other medical equipments through e-tender. The hospital has announced tender for 42 different medical equipments for surgical and medical ward.
According to the hospital, their regular medical suppliers were not giving them medicines on loans. “We don´t have money, how will they trust us and how are we supposed to treat the patients,” said section officer of the hospital Krishna Poudel.
However, patients visiting the hospital said that only well offs are offered the free medical treatments leaving the poor on the side. “Few months back, only patients having good relationship with the hospital administration were able to receive the free treatments,” said a staff from the medical store of the hospital.
Similarly, few other staff of the hospital also agreed with the accusation. “Since government has not prescribed any standards when it comes to free medical treatments, these types of irregularities are seen,” said a hospital staff.
“Government should distribute cards that strictly indicated the identity of the poor or differently abled person to solve this recurring problem,” he added.
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