Dhangadi, April 6

The government’s employee adjustment programme is bound to have adverse consequences for health facilities in the Far-west Province since a majority of the doctors have opted to work at the federal level.

Of the total 87 quotas of doctors in the province, 79 doctors have opted to work at the federal level, according to the Ministry of Social Development in the province.

Far-west Province Health Department Chief Narendra Singh Karki said only three medical officers, three ayurvedic doctors and two consultants had opted to work in the province.

Far-west Province has 12 hospitals, including Seti-Zonal Hospital.

Out of 15 doctors working at Seti Zonal Hospital, only two have chosen to work at the province level. Dr Khagendraraj Joshi and Dr Jagadish Joshi have opted to remain in the province.

Following the adjustment of the government doctors, many health facilities including Seti-Zonal Hospital are set to face a dearth of doctors.

Government Medical Doctors’ Association Vice-chair Dr Surendra Basnet said doctors opting to work in hospitals under the federal government could be transferred anywhere across the country. They are eligible for promotion to secretary and vice-chancellor, while those opting to join provinces and local levels have to remain with the same institution throughout their tenure.

Six doctors in the province have opted to work at the local level.