Lack of skilled doctors forces referral of critical cases despite available equipment
KATHMANDU, MAY 7
The intensive care unit (ICU) at the snakebite treatment centre in Nawalpur has remained padlocked for six years due to the absence of skilled medical personnel, despite being equipped with an ICU bed and a ventilator.
Although the centre has repeatedly issued vacancy notices for qualified doctors, none have been recruited. "In some cases, there were very few applicants; in others, selected doctors didn't show up to take their appointments," said Uddhab Paudel, chair of the centre.
During the snakebite season, the centre sees a high influx of patients, including many in critical condition who require immediate ICU support. Due to the lack of doctors trained to operate the available equipment, these patients are referred elsewhere, often at great risk.
"There have been several deaths in transit," said health assistant Jagarnath Yadav, who is also the centre's in-charge. "The ICU and ventilator were installed in 2075 BS to handle such emergencies, but they've remained unused for lack of trained personnel."
Chair Paudel expressed frustration over the prolonged inaction. "It's been six years - we have the equipment, but not the people to run it," he said.
