KATHMANDU: Local-level hospitals in Morang district are experiencing a surge in patient numbers due to staffing shortages at federal and provincial hospitals. The federal Koshi Hospital in Biratnagar and the provincial Madan Bhandari Hospital in Urlabari are struggling with a lack of doctors, causing difficulties for patients seeking medical services.
Since the establishment of local governments, municipalities and rural municipalities such as Sundarharaicha, Belbari, Pathari Shanishchare, Ratuwamai, Rangeli, Kanepokhari, Kerabari, and Miklajung have been managing local hospitals to fill the gaps left by federal and provincial health services. Except for Sundarharaicha Municipality, other local hospitals are not staffed with federal and provincial health workers.
Sundarharaicha’s municipal hospital is staffed with four doctors, some funded by the federal and provincial governments, while others are paid by the municipality. The hospital sees over 200 patients daily and offers general practice services three days a week. Pathari Shanishchare Municipal Hospital is a key provider in the district, with three medical officers and a range of specialized services, serving over 400 patients each day.
Belbari Municipal Hospital operates with two medical officers and provides various services, including general practice and orthopaedics. Kanepokhari Hospital, despite having two approved positions, is currently running with just one medical officer after a resignation. Kerabari Hospital serves the north-western part of Morang with a single medical officer, while construction of a new building has been delayed due to budget issues.
Miklajung Rural Municipality’s Madhumalla Hospital is staffed with a medical officer and an MD and serves more than 200 patients daily. Local governments have had to appoint doctors independently due to the lack of federal and provincial support. However, this has led to legal challenges as the Office of the Auditor General flagged these expenditures as arrears. Local officials are frustrated with the lack of coordination from higher levels of government, impacting their ability to effectively manage health services.
