Bajura, December 22

Health service has been badly affected in five health posts of Badimalika Municipality after the municipality fired contract staffers on December 16 in Bajura.

Patients have been facing problems after the health facility could not provide the service following the same. Of the seven health centres in the municipality, five were closed.

The municipality's Health Coordinator Tek Bahadur Khadka said Pinalekh, Pata Sahari, Mana Sahari, Kordha Sahari, and Melkandh health centres were closed.

Earlier, the municipality had decided not to extend the contract periods of the staffers effective from December 16. Four auxiliary health assistants, eight auxiliary mid-wife, two lab assistants and ten office attendants were fired.

The patients returned from the health centres after the health facilities closed.

Kate Karki, a patient who reached Pinalekh Sahari Health Centre had to return home without receiving treatment.

Administrative Chief at the municipality Rangamal BK said preparation was under way to send the staffers in the health centres as new vacancy was called for the same. He said the contract period was not extended due to the lack of budget in the municipality. He said new vacancy was called as per necessity.

Earlier, Swamikartik Municipality had also fired unwanted staffers.

Similarly, Budinanda and Budhiganga municipalities had fired contract staffers after the local level election.

A version of this article appears in the print on December 23, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.