Kathmandu, November 28

National Academy of Medical Sciences has not been able to take any decision related to the tender for medical equipment, academic courses and budget due to inordinate delay in appointing its major portfolio holders.

The posts of vice-chancellor, rector, registrar, dean and director at National Academy of Medical Sciences have been vacant for the past three months. Regular work of the academy is being done by acting officials, but they do not have the authority to take vital decisions.

According to Dr Peeyush Dahal, acting assistant dean at National Academy of Medical Sciences, acting officials do not have authority to take vital decisions such as issuing tender notice and releasing budget.

“Delay in appointment of these officials has also affected construction of a new building for Bir Hospital at Duwakot. Construction work has been halted for want of budget,” said Dr Dahal.

Acting Director at National Trauma Centre Dr Binod Sherchan informed that the trauma centre lacked necessary medical equipment for operation theatre.

“The stock of betadine (medicine which kill germs that cause wound infections), oxygen, cotton and other equipment used in the operation theatre has already finished,” added Dr Sherchan. “The hospital is yet to pay some due amount to suppliers. However, some suppliers are  providing required medicines and treatment materials to the hospital. If this situation continues, we will not be able to run the hospital,” said Dr Sherchan.

X-ray machine of the emergency ward of the trauma centre has become dysfunctional due to which patients are facing a hard time.

Likewise, nearly 200 outsourced staffers of Bir Hospital and trauma centre have been deprived of monthly salary. A staffer at the trauma centre told The Himalayan Times that they hadn’t received salary from the hospital for the last few months. Vacant posts of major portfolio holders have not been filled even after months due to political interference, said Dahal.