Hospital construction moving at a snail's pace!

DARCHULA, JANUARY 5: Five years after the groundbreaking ceremony for basic hospitals in the district, construction progress remains sluggish, causing significant inconvenience to residents seeking healthcare services.

The government had planned to establish basic health facilities in seven locations, laying foundation stones five years ago. However, these facilities are still far from completion.

The delay has forced residents of Lekam, Duhu, and Apil Himal to travel to nearby municipalities, the District Hospital, or even as far as Kathmandu and neighboring India for minor healthcare needs.

Lalit Singh Khatri, a local from Lekam, expressed frustration over the lack of healthcare facilities, stating that people are compelled to travel long distances for even basic services.

A 10-bed hospital in Lekam Rural Municipality, contracted at a cost of Rs 70 million in 2077, has only recently begun construction. The project, assigned to Jagadamba Yamuna JV, has had its contract term extended twice.

Similarly, work on a basic hospital in Duhu Rural Municipality, also contracted in 2077, has just started.

Meanwhile, a 15-bed hospital in Byas Rural Municipality, contracted for Rs 31 million, remains incomplete, according to Chief Administrative Officer Chandra Singh Kunwar.