Rukum health centres in sick state

By Rudra Khadka

RUKUM, Feb 15 : Lack of skilled manpower and equipment in Salle Hospital, the only of its kind in the district in remote Rukum has deprived the people of health facilities. Due to indifference on part of the government, the situation at the hospital has worsened during the past 14 years, according to concerned sources.

A stark example of government indifference towards the hospital is the non-filling of the post of an X-ray operator for the past 14 years. As a result, the patients are deprived of even minor treatments. Situation in the hospital is bad as it lacks basic equipments even for simple diseases, according to Dr Madhav Prasad Lamsal, chief of the hospital.

The condition of other health institutions in the district is still worse. Thus the patients do not trust them and go to cities spending huge amounts of money, according to Dr Lamsal.

According to a source at District Health Office (DHO), 40 seats of health workers lie vacant in the health institutions of the district. Of the 249 posts of health workers, only 159 have been filled till date, revealed the source.

"We have been apprising the centre of the grave situation here time and again. However, all our efforts have come to a nought," said the source.

The health workers in the district complain that they are unable to apply their skills and treat patients in the absence of required equipments.

"There is no difference between the work performed by a senior and junior health worker here. Since most of the works are conducted manually, the skills of seniors are not utilised," laments Dr Lamshal, adding, "The situation is further compounded due to non-availability of drugs in time."

CWIN launches programme for child victims of conflict

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SALYAN, Feb 15 : The Concern for Child Workers in Nepal ( CWIN) has started a programme in three districts, Salyan, Rukum, and Rolpa of the mid-western region to reduce the plight of children who have been the victims of the Maoist insurgency .

The initial phase of the programme is already underway in these three districts which have been listed under A category.

According to Tilottam Paudel, a peace worker of this programme for CWIN, the first phase of the programme will be implemented in the Kajeri VDC of Salyan focusing on some of the schools there and in Khalanga, district headquarters, focusing the displaced children of that area. The investigation and monitoring will be carried out among children who are enrolled in schools and also on those who are not or who have not been able to attend schools, whereby providing them with humanitarian aid.

It is learnt that this programme is being conducted with the joint effort of four donor organisations, CWIN, CVICT, IHRICON, and Save the Children ,Norway. In the first phase of the programme information regarding the co-ordination and development between the government bodies and various other institutions and their activities in this field will be sought. The main working areas in which these organisations will be in the first phase of the programme will be wounded children and those children suffering physically and mentally due to armed struggle between the Maoists and the government including those displaced from their families. Besides, the programme will include emergency relief to children whose parents have been killed in the armed struggle, educational support to children, devastated by war incidents, providing educational materials and assistance to develop the infrastructure of schools. It will also take the responsibility of conducting interaction programmes among children to reduce the psychological effect of the civil war and to strengthen the management sector of the schools and providing training to the teachers.

Likewise awareness programmes at the local levels will be implemented to show that children are epitome of peace, to keep schools away from the battlefields and discuss the aftermath effect that violence can inflict on the development of children Tilottam Paudel apprised.

It is learnt that children constitute 50 percent of the total population of this country and they are the hope for a better nation. More than 146 children have been killed in the civil war that has been going on in this nation while more than 95 have been wounded and crippled. Likewise, it was learnt that around 2000 children have been separated from their families or orphaned, and more than 4000 children displaced from their villages.

In-patients rally for restoration of facility

By Rabindra Uprety

MAHOTTARI, Feb 15 : The in-patients at the district hospital in Jaleshwor, headquarters of Mahottari staged a peaceful rally yesterday, demanding boarding facility from the government.

Patients took the move as the hospital administration cut the facility, citing budgetary constraints since February 13. The hospital had been providing fooding facility to the in-patients since its establishment.

The rally participated by the patients of Kala-azar, TB and Malaria ended at the District Administration Office (DAO), a kilometre away from the hospital. The patients also submitted a memorandum to the Chief District Officer (CDO) to be handed out to the Minister of Health.

The letter, addressed to the Health Minister, explained poor economic condition of the patients and appealed the minister to protect their rights.

"All of a sudden, the hospital employees informed us to manage our fooding ourselves on Wednesday. How could poor people like us manage fooding all of a sudden?" asked 30-year-old Genuwa Devi, undergoing treatment for Kala-azar at the hospital.

The hospital suffered an economic setback due to a surge in patients, when the whole Sheshakat village was infected with the disease last year, according to Ram Lakhan Shah, Medical Superintendent (MS) of the hospital.

While the hospital received a budget of Rs 200,000 for fooding this fiscal year, it had an outstanding amount of Rs 1,41,000. Thus, a large portion of this budget was expended in clearing the debt, forcing the hospital to do away with fooding facility, according to Shah.

"The hospital owes me Rs 50,000. I supplied food to the hospital for a month. However it has not paid me yet," laments Upendra Shah, food contractor at the hospital. Letters were sent to the Health Minister, Ministry of Health and Health Department apprising them about the situation at the hospital. However, till date there has been no response, according to Shah.

‘Strategic change in offing for CIAA’

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MORANG, Feb 15 : Commission for the Investigation of the Abuse of Authority (CIAA), the anti-corruption body has forged a strategy to work in an institutional manner. People will have a clear idea about its working style once the strategy comes into full effect after five years, according to Suryanath Upadhyaya, the CIAA chief.

Upadhyaya was addressing a workshop entitled ‘Co-ordination Against Corruption’ organised by Transparency International Helping Group, in Biratnagar today. He also informed that CIAA was intensifying its programmes in some of the districts and that it has published reports of its actions in the past. In the programme, he said that CIAA shall co-ordinate with the Transparency International Nepal, on cases involving corruption.

Speaking at the programme, Dolakh Bahadur Gurung, the Chief District Officer (CDO) revealed that around 100 cases of corruption have been filed at his office. However, due to the lack of skilled manpower the cases remain unhanded, according to the CDO.

Other speakers at the programme were Sribhadra Sharma, the Chairman of Transparency International Nepal Advisory Council and Bishnu Datta Uprety, the Regional Administrator in eastern Nepal. Professor, Krishna Pokhrel Pesented a working paper on corruption at the programme.

Maoist cadres threaten to break truce

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DOLAKHA, Feb 15 : Maoist activists campaigning in villages for round table talks have threatened to break the truce if the government continues arrests of their cadres and intervenes in the mass meetings arranged by them.

The district level Maoist leaders issued the threat at a mass meeting organised at Kabre Babisa, 34 kilometres away from Charikot, the headquarters of Dolakha district. Addressing the meeting Pradip, the platoon commander said that stress should be laid for the outlet of the crisis through dialogues and that the Maoist militia will be converted to the national army if the talks succeeded. However, Avinash, another speaker at the meeting alerting the party supremos said that they will defy any decisions reached through a secret deal with the palace.

‘Social bias eroding Hindu society’

By Madhav Dhungana

GORAKHPUR (India), Feb 15 : Social discriminations existing among the Hindus were slowly weakening Hindu society. This was pointed out during the seventh World Hindu Convention that commenced on Thursday, within the premises of Gorakhnath temple here. The conference is being participated by various religious leaders and followers.

The gathered religious heads pointed out the need for various organisations related with Hindu religion to accept the concept that all followers belong to the same Omkar family according to Hinduism, and all of them should be treated equally with respect and their rights safeguarded.

The convention which will conclude tomorrow, has laid stress on the unity of all Hindus around the world. The priest of the Gorakhnath temple, Mahantha Abedhnath, also shed light on how the petty vested interests of the rulers fighting for power during the medieval period, had created a rift in the Hindu society. He also pointed out how through the wrong dissemination of information, a complete change has come about in the religious Hindu scripts regarding social discrimination. Not only has this created divisions among the Hindus but also foreigners and anti-religious elements have been trying to take undue advantage of this. This has threatened the sovereignty and freedom of the Hindu country, he added.

The grand event saw the participation of around 600 Hindu representatives from 34 countries belonging to various organisations. Of them 250 were from Nepal.

The chairman of the Bishwa Hindu Parishad, Ashok Singh, drew attention to the fact that King Gyanendra is not only the king of 20 million Nepalis but also the king of the entire Hindu followers of the world. He also dwelt about how for the first time in Haridwar, India, late King Birendra had been felicitated with great reverence by a huge mass.

A one minute silence had been observed in memory of late King Birendra and other royal family members who died in the Palace incident, and also in memory of those who were killed during the Maoist insurgency.

Speaking on the occasion, various other prominent Hindu figures of India said that India never wants to see deterioration of Nepal, but both the countries have been suffering from terrorist activities. They also spoke on the historical, cultural, religious and philosophical ideas that has fermented the bond between these two brotherly countries since time immemorial.

Speaking at the ceremony Mahantha Abedhnath reiterated that the allegation that India has a hand behind the terrorist activities in Nepal is baseless and unacceptable, and added that they are willing to assist in the protection and for the good of Nepal, even at the cost of their lives.

Even the chairman of the Bishwa Hindu Mahasangh (World Hindu Federation), Krishna Gopal Tandan, was of the view that since the re-establishment of democracy in Nepal, there has been attempt to weaken the Hindu religion. He also shed light on how the popularity of classical philosophy, culture, heritage, and moral character has been eroding these days.

During the convention emphasis was laid on how the political leaders of both Nepal and India, in their quest for power, have divided the state in the name of caste and class, region and language and brought a rift in society, and the need to forsake such self-centred interests in order to empower Hindu society.

This convention also made a request to those people who had converted themselves to other religions due to fear, desire, greed or other reasons, to come back to the original Hindu fold. Such people will be welcomed back with open arms.

Minister visits Dolpa

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DOLPA, Feb 15 : A month after the destruction by Maoist rebels Kuber Prasad Sharma, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation visited the Jufal airport in Dolpa here today.

During the minister’s visit on behalf of the Dolpa people, Jagal Bahadur Kathayat, chairman of District Panchayat Committee presented an appeal letter for the reconstruction the air tower, installation of airport guards, extension of the runway and regulation of the flights.

Speaking to the local people Minister Sharma said that he will appeal to the government for the allocation of budget to re-install the air tower and other requirements presented by the local people . "The announcement of ceaseh fire has ushered in peace in every part of the country and government is positive that peace will reign throughout the country within three months through peace talks," he said.

Queen’s birthday programmes

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KATHMANDU, Feb 15 : To mark the 53rd auspicious birthday of Her Majesty Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah, the main organising committee announced its programmes today.

A press statement issued by the main organising committee stated it would be celebrating the queen’s birthday by organising various programmes from February 18 to 25. The programmes to celebrate the queen’s birthday would be a rally, a ‘Kathmandu Festival’ at Basantapur, inauguration of Bal Park at Kanti Hospital, and different religious rituals.

Similarly, programmes against air pollution, distribution of educational materials, religious programmes, feeding the elderly at Pashupati, free health camp, distribution of medicines and blood donation programmes will be organised by the committee.

Media should expose anti-unity forces: Poudel

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KATHMANDU, Feb 15 : Influential leader of Nepali Congress, Ram Chandra Poudel, appealed to the press today to figure out the forces and causes that are hindering political parties from uniting despite the obviousness that peace is the main agenda today.

"If I name the forces and causes preventing the unity of political parties, then I may be accused of making a statement guided by the interests of my party. So I appeal to the press to investigate into it and bring the truth to the public," said Poudel today while addressing the fourth convention of Nepal Press Union (NPU), Kathmandu.

Stressing the importance of the past twelve years in the development of Nepal and the promotion of the press institution in the country, Poudel, however, admitted that the conduct of political parties during that time disappointed the people, thus paving a fertile terrain for dictatorship.

"The press has continued to be manipulated by groups and families with vested interests. This has threatened democracy. Why confuse the people by employing tactful words? What are the demands of the Maoists," questioned Poudel, adding that precisely such ploys give birth to dictatorship.

Speaking earlier, founder of NPU Shobhakar Parajuli said that the so-called peace process is not transparent. "King snatched away democracy from the hands of the people. He tore the constitution and made it a hostage in the palace. The violent forces have not made themselves clear on their standing regarding democracy. The press has to be extra- cautious," said Parajuli, hinting that when democracy is attacked, the press is the most vulnerable target.

Speaking on similar lines, president of Federation of Nepalese Journalists, Taranath Dahal said that declaration of the state of emergency was the first step against democracy in Nepal. "It is very unfortunate that the state of emergency was declared when a democratic force like the Nepali Congress was governing," he said. Dahal further said that everyone should wish good luck to the peace process. "But we must make sure that civil liberties and press freedom is not compromised," added Dahal.

Similarly, Kathmandu district president of Nepali Congress, Tirtha Ram Dangol said that the people may lose once or a couple of times, but victory always comes in the end. "However, once brought down, the forces operating against the people never come back. Kings are not meant for making palaces, but the country. Similarly, leaders are not supposed to make houses, but the nation," he said.

The convention was held to elect the executive committee of the Union.

Govt to set up Dental Council: Minister

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KATHMANDU, Feb 15 : A two-day fifth annual dental conference and trade exhibition on ‘Dentistry in Developing Nation’ began here today.

Focusing on the need of awareness and national policy to eradicate oral health problems, the conference will remain open till tomorrow. Organised by Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) and Nepal Dental Association (NDA), various dentists from around the globe have congregated here in the capital to participate at the function.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Prof Dr Upendra Devkota, Minister for Health said that in the next 12 years, 60 per cent of people will suffer from dental diseases in Nepal. "Therefore awareness, education and active campaigns in various parts of the country will help to control the problem," said Minister Devkota.

Dr Devkota said that very soon the government has a plan to set up the Dental Council, with an aim to protect people from illegal dental practices.

Similarly, special guest Dr A Ratnanesan, president of FDI, said that oral health is an integral part of total and general health in Nepal. "Oral health is an integral part of general health. And because of the lack of awareness, without knowledge of its importance and financial constraints, oral health has been allocated low priority in developing countries," he added, pointing out that there is a need to establish effective strategies and goals in a national oral health policy, within the framework of National Health Policy.

Highlighting the conference Dr Praveen Mishra, president of NDA said that dentistry in Nepal is growing rapidly and this conference will give ample opportunity to the participants to come on the mainstream. "As the theme highlights the vision to establish dentistry in developing countries, NDA has worked hard to establish different aspects of dentistry at the policy level and is hopeful of establishing the Dental Council and implementation of Oral Health Policy," he added.

"We are mainly concentrating on the need to extend basic oral health services in every part of the country and raise the standard of dental surgeons in practice and research," Dr Mishra added.

SLC students to sit for journalism test

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KATHMANDU, Feb 15 : For the first time, school-level students in Nepal are appearing for journalism test, according to the Controller’s Office, Sanothimi.

Fifteen students, all belonging to Adhunik Rastriya Madhyamik School in Hetauda are writing their tests in journalism this year, according to an official at the Controller’s Office.

The school-level course in journalism was designed three years ago but so far no student had appeared for journalism in the SLC examinations.

The government had introduced eight subjects in the school-leaving examinations and had included journalism in the SLC course.

Krishna Kapri, an official at Controller’s Office said applications are pouring in from students wanting to sit for the subject. He said that the actual number of students writing the test would be ascertained only after the examinations are over.

Journalism is being introduced in grade nine and tenth, the final year in school education.

At present, SLC pre-test is being conducted throughout the country. The final SLC test is scheduled from Chaitra 16, according to Controller’s Office.

Bagar Awards to be given away

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KATHMANDU, Feb 15 : The Gopal Prasad Rimal Award will be presented to noted poet Bimal Niva. This was announced by Bagar Foundation Nepal here today.

A statement issued by the foundation stated that it would felicitate poet Niva for his revolutionary contribution in the area of Nepali literature. Similarly, the foundation also announced that it would present the Bagar Award 2059 to Padma Jyoti, Janak Prasad Humagain, Purna Prasad Neupane, Mahesh Bikram Shah, Mohan Bahadur Kayastha and Bishnu Bahadur Singh.

The Bagar Award is presented to individuals who have made notable contributions in fields such as literature, education, administration and business. The decision to felicitate the individuals was made by a meeting held by Bagar Foundation today. The function to felicitate the personalities will be held on February 24.

Cyclists stage rally for peace

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KATHMANDU, Feb 15 : Welcoming the cease-fire, the World Cyclist Foundation, Nepal organised a cycle rally with the slogan ‘End of War’. The rally, participated by fifteen cyclists, passed through the thoroughfares of the Kathmandu Valley and was led by renowned cyclist Pushkar Shah.

Shah, who aims to go around the world in eleven years, is on a short visit to his homeland. Beginning from Thamel Chowk at around 9.30 this morning, the rallyists cycled up to Bhaktapur, Surya Binayak and ended their journey back in Thamel.

Along with the announcement of cease-fire, this war has to stop forever, Shah added.

Grand Mahashivaratri celebrations this year: PDT

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KATHMANDU, Feb 15 : Pashupati Development Trust (PDT) is all set to organise the forthcoming Mahashivaratri, the great festival of the Hindus, for three days in a grand manner.

Ram Prasad Dahal, coordinator of publicity promotion management sub-committee revealed this to the media today.

"The improved security situation in the country this time has encouraged us to celebrate the great festival of the Hindus in a grand scale," said Dahal. He added that the three-day festival, commencing from February 30, will feature various cultural and religious programmes.

" We want to make the festival different this time . A lot of publicity works are underway, both at home and abroad about the festival, for which a budget of Rs five hundred thousand has been set aside," he said.

About two lakh devotees, comprising both locals and from India, are expected to visit the holy shrine of Lord Shiva, following improvement in the security situation.

Along with the religious tourists, the Trust is focussed on increasing the number of saints and sages for the occasion.

According to Dahal, the first day of the three-day festival will be devoted to cultural processions during the day and cultural programmes in the evening.

The second day will see a religious assembly prayer for peace, to be attended by disciples of different religions. On the third day, a farewell ceremony will be organised for the saints and sages.

Thirteen sub-committees have been formed under Mahashivaratri Main Committee-2059 . These sub-committees have been assigned with different responsibilities for making special arrangements for the occasion.

One of the major attractions about the festival is expected to be the possible launch of the web-site www.shripashupatinath.com.

According to the organisers, besides giving detailed information on the holy shrine, the site also provides on line service for worship for devotees in India and abroad. While Indians will be charged Rs 200 as courier fee for prasad, chandan and the photo of Pashupatinath, foreigners will have to pay US$ 50 for the same.

Besides, the Trust has also set aside provisions of special facilities for those making huge donations.

" In view of the resource crunch, it has become imperative for the Trust to tap different channels," said Dahal.