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KATHMANDU, July 3: A recent Organization and Management (O&M) survey has revealed a shortage of over 2,100 positions within the Ministry of Health and Population and its subordinate agencies. However, the Finance Ministry has returned the proposal to add these positions, citing a lack of budget.
The Health Ministry had earlier submitted the O&M report to the Ministry of Federal Affairs, which forwarded it to the Finance Ministry. But due to budget limitations, the proposal was rejected and returned to the Health Ministry for reconsideration.
Dr. Bhakta Bahadur KC, joint spokesperson at the Health Ministry, confirmed that the O&M report has been sent back and that a revised survey will be conducted only after the passage of the Civil Service Act. “The initial O&M had been completed and submitted to address staffing shortages, especially of doctors and nurses, but the Finance Ministry has returned it for a second round,” said Dr KC.
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According to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, Nepal has a significantly low doctor-to-population ratio. The country currently has only around 500 specialist doctors and roughly 1,000 medical officers. The Health Ministry has highlighted the need to recruit more doctors, particularly at levels 8 through 12 of the civil service structure.
The original proposal had sought approval for an additional 2,934 positions while eliminating 832 redundant posts, making a net addition of 2,102. The structure included the reallocation of high-level officials like 12th-level joint secretaries, addition of 49 posts at the 11th level, 322 at the 9th and 10th levels, and 436 medical officer positions at the 8th level. The number of 8th-level medical officer positions would increase from 353 to 739.
For nursing staff, an additional 1,242 posts were proposed, increasing the total from 1,341 to 2,623. For the first time, 39 new positions were also proposed for midwifery nurses, along with 19 for pharmacy officers.
Officials at the Health Ministry stated that Nepal needs at least three times more health professionals than it currently has. Despite plans for annual recruitment, the Finance Ministry’s refusal has stalled the expansion process.
Health Minister Pradeep Paudel had earlier said the government plans to recruit 12,000 skilled health professionals over five years, starting with 2,500 each year. He had also informed the Parliament that Rs 95.81 billion had been allocated to the Health Ministry for the upcoming fiscal year, with provisions to address the staffing gap.
However, with the latest setback, the recruitment plan and restructuring process face delays until the Civil Service Act is enacted.
