DHANGADHI: Patients are facing difficulties for check up and treatment due to insufficient number of doctors here in Seti Zonal Hospital.

The situation has been worsened after Dr Bidhyanidhi Paudel, medical superintendent of the hospital, was transferred to Bir Hospital in the Capital last week. Dr Paudel had been popular among patients due to his affable nature and effective check-up and treatment. Leaving other doctors, most of the patients having ailments related to stomach, chest and heart used to flock to him.

According to the hospital sources, hundreds of patients from Bajhang, Bajura, Doti, Achham, Baitadi, Darchula and Dadeldhura districts are returning home without treatment upon not finding their doctor.

Everyday, some three dozen patients used to visit Dr Paudel.

“We’re serious over the problem emerged after Dr Poudel’s transfer,” said Govinda Timilsena, chairman, Seti Zonal Hospital Management Committee.

“We have demanded the Ministry of Health and Population and Department of Health to withdraw the transfer of Dr Paudel,” he said.

Of the total quota of 19 doctors here, only 10 of them are attending their duty. The shortage of doctors is sure to take toll on public health when there is a surge on diarrhoea patients in the recent times, said locals.