PM stresses on accessible and quality health services in country

KATHMANDU, July 27: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has insisted on creating an atmosphere so that the entire people could have an easy access to treatment from all hospitals across the country.

Inaugurating the 128th anniversary celebration of the country’s oldest hospital, the Bir Hospital, on Thursday, the Prime Minister underlined the need of guaranteeing quality healthcare services within the country to discourage people to visit India or other third countries for treatment.

He was of the view that the hospital remaining as the country’s leading health facility should provide service as per its identity.

“The contribution of the Bir Hospital to health sector since its establishment is appreciable; it is producing human resources to serve the people of far-flung settlements and I am hopeful that it will be able to establish the fact that quality health services are available at home,” he said.

Prime Minister pledged all necessary support including the sufficient budget to develop the hospital into a ‘hub of specialists’.

Also speaking on the occasion, Health Minister Girirajmani Pokhrel sought the hospital role in implementing the civic health rights guaranteed by the constitution.

Likewise, former Health Minister Gagan Kumar Thapa said the delivery of better services was expected from the hospital as it had competent human resources.

Hospital director Prof Dr Bhupendra Basnet said the hospital carrying a historic identity was providing its services to the people from different walks of life including to the poor, helpless and VIPs.

The hospital that had started its service on the 12th Saun, 1947 BS from 15 beds has now 460 beds.

The process of constructing a new surgical ward on 17 ropani of land has been initiated by dismantling a staff quarter and a building for nursing campus, as shared by him on the occasion. RSS