Kathmandu— The only 50-bed hospital serving Jajarkot District in Nepal is facing significant challenges due to a critical shortage of medical personnel. While the facility was upgraded from 15 beds to 50 ten years ago and equipped with a modern building, it currently operates with just one specialist doctor – an orthopaedic surgeon named Dr. Sunil Pun – against its approved staffing level of seven specialists. This lack of skilled healthcare professionals is forcing patients to seek treatment in distant cities like Surkhet, Nepalgunj, and Kathmandu, despite the hospital’s intended purpose of providing local access to comprehensive care.

Limited Specialist Care

Of the seven approved specialist positions at Jajarkot Hospital, six remain vacant. The sanctioned roles include a health service manager, consultant general physician, consultant surgeon, consultant gynaecologist, paediatrician, orthopaedic surgeon, and consultant anaesthesiologist. Currently, Dr. Pun is not only providing orthopedic care but also fulfilling the duties of the office chief due to the absence of a dedicated health service manager. This overburdened situation impacts the hospital’s ability to treat patients with both common and complex illnesses effectively.

Impact on Patients

The shortage of specialist doctors has resulted in patients being given only primary treatment at Jajarkot Hospital before being referred to regional centers for more advanced care. Kailash Singh Khatri, a local resident, expressed concern that the modern hospital is failing to deliver adequate services due to insufficient skilled personnel. Patients and their families are facing increased financial burdens from travel costs as they seek necessary medical attention outside of the district. Civil society representatives have been raising concerns with both the provincial government and Bheri Municipality for three months, urging them to address the staffing crisis.

Calls for Increased Resources

Local stakeholders are calling for immediate action to fill the vacant specialist positions and improve healthcare access in Jajarkot District. Representatives also request affordable service charges and the establishment of a blood bank at the hospital. Krishna Bahadur Khatri, Information Officer at the Health Service Office, emphasized the need for adequate human resources, particularly given the risk of diarrheal diseases, epidemics, and disaster-related incidents during the monsoon season. Dr. Sunil Pun himself has repeatedly urged concerned authorities to address the staffing shortage.

The Karnali Province government is aware of the situation and has contracted 45 staff members for various support roles, but a lack of specialist doctors continues to be the primary obstacle to providing comprehensive healthcare services at Jajarkot Hospital.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.