KATHMANDU, Sep 7: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is embarking on a project to establish 20 urban health promotion centers, with the aim of providing essential healthcare services to its residents free of charge.
While the overarching plan is to extend basic healthcare services through urban health promotion centers to all 32 wards, the initial phase is progressing, targeting implementation in 20 wards by mid-September to mid-October, as confirmed by the KMC Health Branch.
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Ram Prasad Poudel, the head of the KMC Health Branch, expressed optimism that these centers would become operational within the specified timeframe, provided that the necessary equipment and workforce are ready.
Poudel emphasized that the metropolis is committed to elevating the quality of healthcare services by upgrading the existing urban health clinics into urban health service promotion centers. Currently, six urban health promotion centers are already operational within the metropolitan area, and construction is underway to create additional centers.
As per KMC's plans, the following wards are expected to have urban health promotion centers by the end of this year: Ward No. 1 (Naxal), 2 (Lazimpat), 3 (Maharajganj), 5 (Handigaun), 6 (Kuleshwar), 7 (Mitrapark), 9 (Gaushala), 10 (Lakhechour), 11 (Babarmahal), 12 (Teku), and 14 (Ganesha temple). Furthermore, construction will be carried out in Chhetrapati of Ward No. 17, Naradevi of Ward No. 18, Tankeshwari of Ward No. 19, Sundhara of Ward No. 22, Thamel Shahid Park of Ward No. 26, Ujyalo Surya of Ward No. 27, Bhimsengola of Ward No. 31, and Bagbazar of Ward No. 28.
Poudel underscored that construction work is already underway in some wards, with ongoing infrastructure development at the Urban Health Promotion Centers. These centers are poised to offer an expanded range of services, including access to medical doctors, x-rays, laboratory tests, video x-rays, physiotherapy, maternal and child health services, outpatient care, ECG diagnostics, and more. The centers will also provide 98 types of medications free of charge, ensuring financial relief for city residents.
KMC has taken proactive steps to recruit the necessary personnel for these centers, having submitted a request to the Provincial Public Service Commission for the appointment of 219 employees. Poudel expressed hope that expeditious recruitment would enable swift service provision to the community.
