Okhaldhunga, February 14

Even as it provides essential medicines free of cost and has skilled manpower on duty, the district hospital of Okhaldhunga has failed to appeal to patients, thanks to its ineffective service.

“When other hospitals and clinics are packed with patients, only a few visit this hospital,” said Prem Gurung, a local, stressing the need to upgrade the hospital service.

“As the hospital can’t conduct even a minor operation, patients don’t come to us,” said hospital chief Dr Mukund Yadav, while other health workers pointed out difficult way to the district hospital as one of the factors that persuade patients to opt for private clinics and the community hospital located in more accessible places.

As per data, 50 to 60 patients visit the hospital based in Rumjatar every day. Contrarily, Okhaldhunga Community Hospital based in the headquarters itself is visited by as many as 300 patients every day from as far as Solukhumbu, Khotang and Udayapur.

On their part, Hospital Development Committee Chairperson Santosh Thapa conceded that the number of patients had declined in recent days, but attributed the same to newly opened health facilities in villages.

“As there are now health clinics and centres in the local level itself, it’s

understandable that fewer people reach out to us now,” he said, adding that the hospital is taking steps to make its services more effective.

“Our parturition building is ready now and once the construction of the next building too is over, we will start our services in a new away with necessary equipment,” he said, adding that the hospital was committed to end the plight of patients of the district that is being compelled to travel elsewhere for treatment of even minor cases.