Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, July 17:

The budget deficit of one of the biggest hospitals of the country — Tribhuwan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) is increasing since the last three years. The deficit escalated from Rs 20 million in the fiscal year 2002-03 to Rs 59 million in 2003-04 while the budget deficit till mid-June of 2004-05 has reached Rs 64 million. Presenting the annual report at the 23rd anniversary of TUTH in the capital today, Prof Dr Mahesh Prasad Khakurel, executive director of TUTH, said the budget deficit was being managed through the deposits made by organisations affiliated to TUTH. “Despite being the largest hospital of the country which provides services to more than 310,000 patients annually, the TUTH budget from Tribhuwan University is shrinking,” Khakurel said, adding that due to the lengthy process in getting budget

through TU sometimes a budget freeze occurs. Govinda Prasad Sharma, TU vice-chancellor, said the medical profession promises good job opportunities abroad. Sharma also said the Service Commission is working to manage pending promotions of TUTH staff. On the occasion, Dr Shashi Sharma, president of the Teachers’ Association, Maharajgunj Campus, urged for expansion of the out-patient department (OPD).