In Karnali, basic healthcare can mean hours of waiting

Khim Bahadur Oli waited nearly four hours to see a doctor for his sick child at Rukum West District Hospital, only to be sent for tests and return later for results, finally seeing a doctor again at 5 p.m. This common experience highlights the dire state of healthcare in Nepal's Karnali Province, where chronic staff vacancies, especially for specialists, burden the few available doctors.

Some district hospitals operate with only medical officers, while others have gone years without filling crucial specialist positions. Patients often must travel to other districts for routine care. Rukum West District Hospital, for instance, has sanctioned posts for three specialists and four medical officers but currently has only three doctors: a gynecologist, a medical officer, and a specialist hired independently. The situation is mirrored in neighboring Salyan, where the district hospital, despite having sanctioned posts for eight specialists and five medical officers, has only one specialist and five medical officers on scholarship contracts. Critical maternity services have been suspended for a month due to a lack of a gynecologist.

Hospital officials express frustration over the provincial government's inaction despite repeated requests to fill vacant positions. Pramod Shrestha, chair of the Rukum West Hospital Development Committee, lamented the situation, stating, "We are the ones who have to face the complaints and criticism. The government does not solve the problem. It is unfortunate, and frankly shameful, that the district’s largest hospital is in this condition." The strain is immense, with over 200 patients visiting the Salyan and Rukum West hospitals daily. These facilities, officially designed for 15 beds, are now operating with up to 40 beds to accommodate the rising demand, further exacerbating the challenges faced by both staff and patients.

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We have repeatedly asked the provincial government to fill the posts, but there has been no response. We are the ones who have to face the complaints and criticism. The government does not solve the problem. It is unfortunate, and frankly shameful, that the district’s largest hospital is in this condition.