BAJURA, APRIL 24
Health services at Kolti Basic Hospital in Budhinanda Municipality-2 of Bajura have significantly improved with better infrastructure, equipment and availability of medical staff.
Locals say the hospital, which once operated with limited facilities and staff, has now become more effective and reliable. Residents who earlier had to travel to Martadi, Dhangadhi or Nepalgunj for even basic treatment are now receiving services locally.
According to hospital information officer Prem Nepali, the facility is currently providing a range of services including OPD, eye care, thyroid and dental services, laboratory tests, digital and video X-ray, emergency care, pharmacy and maternity services. The hospital records over 100 patients on Sundays and Fridays, and 50 to 60 patients on other days.
The provincial government has already announced plans to develop Kolti into a basic hospital. Although it has been upgraded to a 15-bed facility, Mayor Janak Bohora said the municipality is managing operations due to limited budget and manpower support.
The hospital is operated by Budhinanda Municipality, which has endorsed procedures for its management. Mayor Bohora, who also chairs the hospital management committee, said the facility has become a key health centre for residents of four local levels in the area as well as neighbouring districts.
The hospital currently has 31 health workers, including specialist doctor Dr Ranjit Shah. Patients from Bajura as well as Humla, Mugu and Kalikot districts visit the hospital.
Dr Shah said the hospital has gained trust among patients due to improved service quality, adding that efforts are ongoing to further upgrade facilities and expand specialised services.
