Rs 220 million hospital in Kaligandaki faces uncertain completion date

Residents in western Syangja, Nepal, are growing frustrated by the slow pace of construction for the Kaligandaki Hospital, a project intended to provide much-needed healthcare services to the region. The hospital, located in Kaligandaki Rural Municipality-7, is geographically distant from the district headquarters, making accessible medical care a significant challenge for the local population. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 220 million, funded through a collaboration between the federal government and the rural municipality.

The hospital building contract was awarded to R & C S–Bacon JV in 2022, with a two-year completion target. However, the contractual period has already expired, and the project remains unfinished. Rahul Baidya, an engineer with the construction company, cited a shortage of skilled local workers, exacerbated by overseas employment, as a primary reason for the construction delays. He stated that managing workers has prevented the project from progressing as anticipated.

Once completed, the new hospital is expected to serve not only residents of Syangja but also those from neighboring Gulmi and Parbat districts. Currently, the hospital operates from a small and inadequate building. Locals are increasingly concerned about the delay, especially given the substantial investment. The project has also encountered obstacles related to land and structures belonging to approximately 12 households, which have been affected during construction. Umaprasad Bhattarai, the ward chairperson of Kaligandaki Rural Municipality-7, acknowledged the delays caused by various issues, including land disputes, and emphasized the need to accelerate work. He noted that completing the hospital locally would reduce the necessity for residents to travel to cities like Palpa and Pokhara for treatment.