Key Takeaways:

• Simkot Basic Health Service Centre operates from cracked, leaking building
• All services, including deliveries and newborn care, run from one room
• New Badlelichaur health facility (Rs 3.89m) inaugurated in May 2023 unused
• Municipality admits delay; Mayor Baniya says relocation preparations underway

BAJURA, JULY 31 As rainwater drips through the roof of a crumbling health post in Budhiganga Municipality-7, Bajura, health workers continue treating patients in a single overcrowded room, despite a newly built health centre inaugurated more than three years ago standing unused nearby. The Simkot Basic Health Service Centre has been operating from a deteriorating building with cracked walls, a leaking roof and a partially damaged rear section, exposing patients and staff to safety risks, particularly during the monsoon.

Health workers say the ageing structure has forced them to provide all essential services-including outpatient consultations, antenatal check-ups, deliveries and newborn care-from a single room. Auxiliary Nurse Midwife Binita Katuwal said the building survives on makeshift repairs. The shortage of space has compromised healthcare standards. New mothers, who should remain under observation for at least 24 hours after delivery, are often sent home within an hour due to lack of facilities. Running maternity services alongside general outpatient care in the same room has also increased infection risks.

In stark contrast, a new basic health facility at Badlelichaur in the same ward, inaugurated in 2023 by then Sudurpashchim Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, has remained unused. Municipal records show the project was contracted in 2019 at a cost of Rs 3.89 million, with additional funds later spent on repairs while construction remained incomplete. Unlike Badlelichaur, basic health buildings in Budhiganga's other nine wards have already begun providing services. Ward Chair Bhuvan Singh KC admitted the delay reflected shortcomings on the municipality's part, noting responsibility rests with the local government. Mayor Ram Bahadur Baniya said preparations are now under way to relocate health services to the new facility soon.