Biratnagar, December 11

Minister of Health and Population Bhanubhakta Dhakal today admitted that procedure and discipline were not duly followed at the ministry itself.

After monitoring Koshi Zonal Hospital in Biratnagar, Minister Dhakal held that record files and other information should reach the ministry through the offices and other bodies under the ministry, but exactly the opposite was happening at present. “The files should go from bottom to top in a system, but since the procedures and discipline are not being followed at the ministry, there are lots of legal hassles,” Dhakal added.

Stating that the ministry had a budget of 15 billion rupees, Dhakal said employees were seen accountable to donors rather than service seekers and the public.

“The ministry has 11 billion rupees in fund provided by the donors. Employees, however, just want to mark their attendance. They do not have sincerity and zeal to carry out their duty,” he stated.

Minister Dhakal said that many employees at the ministry were on leave and their absence had affected service delivery. “Many nurses and doctors are abroad on study leave. Those doctors and people approving their leave do not know when they will complete their studies and get back to their duty,” Dhakal said.

Dhakal claimed that he was given the responsibility of the health ministry to clean all the irregularities and anomalies that had plagued the ministry. “Considering my performance at the Ministry of Law, I have been given this ministry

with special purpose,” he said, adding that he would soon bring positive changes at the ministry.