15-bed hospital opens in Thakurbaba

By Our Correspondent,Gulariya (Bardiya), Jan. 10: A 15-bed municipal hospital has been constructed in Thakurbaba Municipality of Bardiya with an investment of Rs. 120.24 million.

The hospital building, designed to provide specialist services, has been built at Neulapur of Thakurbaba Municipality-3.

The government had introduced a plan a few years ago to construct hospitals of up to 15 beds at every local level. In line with the plan, construction of the hospital began in May 2021. 

Chakreshwori Sunlight Nirman Sewa, Dhangadhi, was awarded the contract, with a deadline to complete the project by December 30, 2025.

Although construction was delayed for some time due to site-related problems, the project was completed on time, said contractor Chiranjivi Bhattarai.

The newly completed two-story building has three blocks. It includes outpatient and inpatient services, an emergency ward, an operating theatre and facilities for specialist care. 

Sub-engineer Pradip Kumar Shah said the building has been designed to provide physiotherapy, X-ray services, 24-hour emergency care and snakebite treatment.

According to Shah, additional work under the contract, including parking and a canteen, has also been completed.

Tilakram Lamsal, Mayor of Thakurbaba Municipality, said services are currently being provided from the old building of the Neulapur Health Post, and there are plans to shift services to the new hospital building from mid-February.

He said requests have been made for MDGPs and specialist doctors, with a plan to make the hospital well-equipped. He also shared plans to integrate birthing centres scattered across the municipality into the municipal hospital by providing free ambulance services.

Chairperson of the hospital, Chiranjivi Yogi, said around 200 patients receive services from Thakurbaba Municipal Hospital every day. He added that the hospital has recently been providing 24-hour services with three medical officers and plans to offer specialist services from the modern, fully equipped new building in the future.