Repeated extensions fail to push Gulmi Hospital to completion

By Toplal Aryal, Resunga (Gulmi), Nov 25: Even though the Gulmi Hospital has enough infrastructure to sustain its employees and the service recipients, the lack of completion of the new building on time has created a hassle. Four doctors, crammed up in a room, give service to hundreds from a small room and the service receiver faces hassles during waiting and getting checked.  

Sanjay KC of Madane Rural Municipality-4, said that it is a sad case that the new building is standing idle in incompletion and both doctors and service receivers are compelled to give and take service in a plight. 

The building, which was supposed to be built in two years, has been extended for the third time to four and a half years, but it is still incomplete. 

Despite widespread criticism the contractor has not been able to complete the painting, electrical, and finishing work.

The plan is currently being implemented through the Road, Urban and Building Construction Project, Palpa, with full financial support from the Government of India.

The contract for the construction of the hospital building was signed by Swachhanda/Baniya JV, Hetauda, Makawanpur on 2 July , 2021. Despite the multiple extensions, the contractor company has not completed the work.

Even though locals have expressed interest many times, the lack of initiative from the construction company shows its neglect towards the government agency.

Engineer Ghanshyam Yadav of the Road, Urban and Building Construction Project, Palpa, said that the total cost of this project is Rs 259.4 million excluding VAT.

According to him, Gulmi Hospital has made 88 percent physical and 80 percent financial progress.

 The reputation that Gulmi Hospital has earned in service delivery is difficult to maintain due to its infrastructure.

Acting Medical Superintendent of Gulmi Hospital, Bibhav Bashyal, said that there are problems in service delivery due to a lag in the construction of the hospital building.

ICU and kidney dialysis service are unable to expand. There is no waiting room for patients who come for a video X-ray. 

Bashyal complained that the building is not completed despite repeated requests to the construction business. 

He said that a new building is essential to expand services by adding experts and equipment.

Hospital Development Committee, the Administration, and the Resunga Municipality have shown concern on their part. 

Mayor of Resunga Municipality Khildwaj Panthi said that people are facing hassle because of negligence from the construction Company.