Procuring MRI machine for Trauma Center: Minister Basnet

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Nov.25: Minister for Health and Population Mohan Bahadur Basnet has said that a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine will be procured for the National Trauma Center shortly. 

Addressing the inauguration of the 10th anniversary of the National Trauma Center on Saturday,  Minister Basnet said that the Ministry is not in favor of buying big equipment now, however, is in favor of buying MRI machines for the center.  

Minister Basnet, said, "Many hospitals are seen buying big equipment for the commission and later stocking them. Therefore, the ministry is not in favor of the immediate purchase of large equipment, except for essential ones. But, in the case of the Trauma Center, purchasing an MRI machine has been deemed necessary. "

He said, “To make a conducive environment to assimilate the former nurses, doctors and specialists, in the medical sector and to make an environment to study medicine in Nepal, I have initiated to amend laws in such a way that nursing and paramedics can be taught in 100-300 beds hospitals and Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Degree Doctor of Medicine (MD) can be taught in more than 300 beds hospitals.”

"Majority of the ministers have agreed to it and after the Member of Parliament (MP) forms laws, it can be implemented, " he said. 

Prof Dr Bhupendra Kumar Basnet, Vice-Chancellor of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) said that the services provided by the Trauma Center have been remarkable. The Center should focus on trauma treatment rather than orthopedics. 

According to him, the Intensive Care Units (ICU) and High Dependency Units (HDU) need to be increased in the 200-bed Trauma Center. 

The proposal of Minister Basnet to make all the large hospitals of the country medicine schools will contribute to reducing the shortage of medical personnel in the country. 

Chief Medical Superintendent of the Trauma Center Dr Badri Rijal,  said that the number of patients is increasing each day in the Trauma Center, so there is a need to expand services. 

Dr Rijal said there is a need for the number of ICU beds, MRI machines, increased manpower and rehabilitation to keep trauma patients after they recover.  Last year, 82,000 received OPD services, 17,500 received emergency services and 6,900 went through major operations from the center. 

Winners in the different sports, medical personnel and other staff were also awarded in the ceremony. The founder of National Trauma Center Prof Dr Ashok Ratna Bajracharya and former Dr Pramod Upadhaya have been awarded.