Several hospitals in Gulmi still incomplete

By Tilachan Pandey,Gulmi, May 21: More than five years after foundation stones were laid, several hospitals in Gulmi district remain incomplete, with some projects still stuck in uncertainty.

On November 30, 2020, the government led by then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli decided to lay foundation stones for hospitals in 396 local levels across the country on the same day. However, the condition of many hospitals inaugurated in Gulmi remains poor.

At the time, central ministers, former ministers, provincial ministers and provincial assembly members rushed to villages to inaugurate multiple hospitals in a single day. Yet, nearly five years later, construction of many local-level hospitals has progressed slowly.

Chhatrakot hospital still uncertain

The foundation stone for a 15-bed hospital in Chhatrakot Rural Municipality was laid by former Lumbini Provincial Assembly member Kamal Raj Shrestha in Ward-4, Shringa. However, nearly five years later, uncertainty looms over whether the hospital will be completed.

The municipality said the original site did not meet building standards, forcing authorities to identify a new location about 300 metres away after prolonged efforts.

According to chief administrative officer Rajan Pandey, land acquisition and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) have been completed, but uncertainty over funding has delayed the tender process.

Malika project finally moves forward

Former minister and federal lawmaker Gokarna Raj Bista laid the foundation stone for a hospital in Arkhabang, Ward No. 4 of Malika Rural Municipality, with much fanfare. However, the project remained limited to the inauguration stage for a long time.

After the original site was found to fail the standards, authorities arranged nearby land and resumed construction. According to municipal engineer Bishnu Aryal, the project has achieved around 30 per cent physical progress and 22 per cent financial progress.

Dhurkot makes 30 per cent progress

Construction of a hospital in Dhurkot Rajasthal of Dhurkot Rural Municipality was delayed after landslides affected the excavated site.

Health section chief of the rural municipality, Prem Khanal said the ministry revised the DPR and design after lengthy efforts, allowing construction to begin last year. Physical and financial progress currently stands at around 30 per cent.

The project, also inaugurated by former minister Gokarna Raj Bista, is being constructed by Rabina/Arjun/New Liza JV at a cost exceeding Rs. 130 million.

Isma at 45 per cent completion

According to municipal engineer Hari Prasad Pandey, construction of the 15-bed hospital in Gurunggade, Dohali, Ward-4 of Isma Rural Municipality, has reached 45 per cent physical progress. Sunil Samir Construction Service secured the contract worth Rs. 108.5 million.

Ruru Kshetra nearing completion

Engineer Sushil Panthi said the hospital under construction at Ratamata in Ward-1 of Ruru Kshetra Rural Municipality has reached about 85 per cent physical progress.

The hospital was inaugurated by former Lumbini Province Minister for Social Development Sudarshan Baral. The contract worth Rs.144.28 million was awarded to Prakriti/PTR/Adhikari/Rajeshwari JV.

Kaligandaki at 55 per cent progress

The hospital in Kanauta, Ward-3 of Kaligandaki Rural Municipality, inaugurated amid a ceremony by former Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, has achieved 55 per cent physical and financial progress.

The project, costing around Rs. 125 million, is being constructed by Khimti/Shrestha/Anjana JV.

Other projects progressing

In Satyawati Rural Municipality, a 15-bed hospital under construction in Johang, Ward-6, has reached 85 per cent physical progress and over 60 per cent financial progress, according to chairperson Tikaram Pandey.

Similarly, in Madane Rural Municipality, construction of a hospital in Purkotdaha, Ward- 6, has reached 72 per cent physical progress and 68 per cent financial progress.

In Musikot Municipality Ward- 7, the 15-bed hospital project has achieved 90 per cent physical progress and 84 per cent financial progress, according to health section chief Pushkar Gautam.

Two hospitals already operational

Meanwhile, two hospitals in Gulmi have already been completed and brought into operation.

A 15-bed hospital in Jhakridanda, Ward- 3 of Gulmidarbar Rural Municipality, has already started services.

Likewise, a hospital in Shantipur, Ward- 4 of Chandrakot Rural Municipality, has been completed and is operational.