According to the Health Assistant, Deepak Sah, the problem had started after Chief of the hospital Dr. Jhapendra Pokharel went on a leave for further studies.
The other doctor, Dr. Jay Prakash Jha, who had left for Dashain holidays, is yet to return. [break]
“Both the doctors were posted on a contract and their working tenure is about to expire. There is no guarantee that they will return,” said Sah.
Pokharel had left the hospital three months ago.
Absence of doctors at the hospital has affected the patients, especially those coming from remote hinterlands.
“Even though we have a lot of medical facilities and equipment such as X-ray machines, ultra sound machine and an operation theater, they are of no use because there is no doctor here,” said Sah. “Moreover, the situation has compelled the locals to travel a long distance and bear higher expense for their medical treatment,” he added.
The District Health Office, however, stated that the post of the doctors will be filled very soon.
Meanwhile, the health office also informed that the hospital is also running out of medical supplies.
“15 out of 45 medicines, which the hospital provides for free, have nearly finished. If the required supply is not restored immediately, the hospital will completely run out of medicines,” an officer at the health office said.
Meanwhile, most of the health posts in the district are also reeling under shortage of medical staff.
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