#Healthcare #Hospital #Nepal #Dispute
A recent development in Makwanpur district, Nepal has sparked controversy as the Hetauda Hospital, the sole government hospital in the area, faces a potential transformation. The Madan Bhandari Health Science Institute has initiated a campaign to save and improve the hospital, leading to the formation of a special committee to oversee the hospital’s board.
The campaign, led by dedicated youth, has intensified as they have painted over the board bearing the name of Madan Bhandari Health Science Institute at the hospital on Sunday. Additionally, they have also covered another board stating the same name at the hospital.
Political parties, apart from the ruling Nepal Communist Party and opposition parties, have shown unity in advocating for the hospital to remain separate from the institute. The issue has escalated to the Supreme Court as concerns have been raised about any political party coming close to the invaluable property held by the Madan Bhandari Health Science Institute.
The debate whether to keep the hospital under the institute’s name or not is currently under discussion in the Supreme Court. The court proceedings have revealed conflicting opinions, with experts suggesting that connecting the Hetauda Hospital with the institute might not be legally sound.
Ramesh Khatri, representing Kansai Nepal News, expressed his opinion on the matter. “The efforts of the Madan Bhandari Health Science Institute to establish a separate identity for the hospital in terms of location and recognition in the public domain for the flow of health services are commendable. The 66-year service history of Hetauda Hospital must be preserved, and the ongoing legal battle regarding the ownership and construction of the hospital within the institute’s premises, as outlined in the Madan Bhandari Health Science Institute Act, 2076, demands attention.”
The institute has put forth demands such as maintaining the hospital’s legacy, ensuring the hospital’s ownership is transferred to the institute, and launching a civic signature campaign to highlight the issue. Various programs have been undertaken to draw the attention of the Chief Minister and the Chief District Officer towards this matter.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: April 13, 2025 7:02 pm
