KATHMANDU, Aug 24: A planned caregiver shelter at Bir Hospital has been left in limbo as the hospital awaits follow-up from businessman and philanthropist Min Gurung, who had agreed to support its construction.
According to Dr Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson and deputy director of Bir Hospital, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed shelter has already been prepared. However, construction has not moved forward because the potential donors have not followed up on their earlier commitment.
About a year ago, Min Gurung, chairman of Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, and Kalu Gurung, based in the United States, had expressed their willingness to support the construction of a two-storey, 16-room caregiver shelter, according to hospital officials.
The hospital subsequently prepared the DPR for the building, which was planned on vacant land between the hospital’s JICA building and kitchen.
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Former hospital vice-chancellor and professor Dr Bhupendra Basnet said the two groups had reached an agreement with then-director Dr Dilip Kumar Sharma to provide assistance for the project. However, he said he was unaware of what happened afterward.
Dr Budhathoki said the project remains uncertain as the hospital has received no further communication from either group. “This building is a necessity for Bir Hospital, but there has been no follow-up with the team that had agreed to provide support,” he said.
He said the hospital would proceed with construction with their support if they follow up in the future. Otherwise, the hospital would have to seek government funding to build the facility.
The caregiver shelter was proposed after relatives of critically ill patients, particularly those admitted to intensive care units, were found to have no proper place to stay while caring for their loved ones. Former director Dr Dilip Sharma had initiated the concept.
According to the DPR, the two-storey building would accommodate 16 families and include bathrooms, separate toilets for men and women, cooking facilities and beds. Caregivers would have to arrange their own food and other personal necessities.
“Gas and induction stoves will be available, but caregivers will have to bring the food they need themselves,” Dr Budhathoki said.
The project has not received further momentum since the Gen Z movement of September 23–24 last year. Dr Sharma could not be reached for comment.
Relatives of patients admitted to the ICU would receive priority for accommodation in the proposed shelter. If rooms remain available, caregivers of patients in the operating theatre and other departments could also use the facility.
Dr Budhathoki said no additional fee would be charged for the service for the time being.
