Hospitals without doctors

Hospitals without doctors in the remote and not-so-remote parts of the country no longer make news. The phenomenon has become so common that the people and the government instead of taking serious notice of such aberrations just shrug their shoulders in frustration. The recent news report that Udayapur health centres are without doctors and health workers could, therefore, hardly evoke the kind of response that is needed from the government and the people. No wonder that the "Health For All" concept has remained nothing more than a slogan for the past three decades. Not enough has been done in this direction by the government, the non-governmental organisations, social service workers and institutions. And yet health and education are the very foundation on which the future of a country depends. But still health is one of the most important services which is essential to build a happy and contented population that directly contribute significantly to the all round development of the nation. Hence, no government worth its name can neglect this sector.

We have in the past drawn the government’s attention a number of times to the problem of un-staffed and understaffed hospitals, health centres and health posts. The government and the majority of the Nepalese are well aware that the vast majority of the Nepalese people live in rural areas. It is to them that the taxpayers’ money must be directed for their well-being such as medical care and education. The government and the civil society would do well to mull why it’s that most doctors and health personnel do not want to be posted in the remote areas of the country. Why is it that even when some of them do take up their assignments, many do not stay on to complete their term? Surely, they are no less patriotic than others and they are well aware of the problems that the people of the rural Nepal face. The government might have to increase the incentives that they now provide and may have to improve conditions in rural hospitals and health posts. These rural medical facilities lack even commonly used and inexpensive drugs. The health authorities concerned need to seriously revise its policy on rural postings as well on rural medical centres, including hospitals. These medical facilities need to be properly and adequately equipped so that the doctors and other medical personnel can carry out their duties smoothly. With the Health Ministry now headed by a doctor with high ideals, the much-needed proper vision for rural medical facilities may be forthcoming. And this is now indeed necessary if the people are not to be left feeling that the authorities in the capital hardly care for them. Better medical facilities in the rural areas also make a better political sense and show political sagacity.