Eyes blink, budget disappears! Sankhuwasabha's CT scan dream remains unfulfilled

Nepal Health News, Biratnagar – The provincial government's decision to reallocate the NPR 70 million originally designated for the purchase of a CT scan machine for Khandbari Hospital in Sankhuwasabha district has sparked widespread criticism. Although the budget was allocated for the fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25), implementation has been halted based on a ministerial decision.

In response to the provincial government's decision, a delegation including Sankhuwasabha MP Rajendra Karki and CPN-UML Chief Whip Vidur Lingthep met with Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki and Minister Bhupendra Rai. While they received assurances that the process would resume soon, no concrete progress has been made.

MP Karki, who is also a former Health Minister, expressed frustration that the budget allocated during his tenure was stalled by the government itself. Meanwhile, MP Lingthep stated that although the funds were not used elsewhere, the minister had assured them that the plan would be included again in the upcoming year’s budget.

On the government’s side, Minister Rai cited a lack of skilled manpower as the reason for not procuring the CT scan machine at present. However, Suman Shakya, Chairperson of the Hospital Management Committee, countered that preparations were already underway to hire a radiologist on contract, and that necessary staff could be arranged.

Locals view the lack of medical equipment as a sign of negligence and bias by the provincial government. Frustration among the public has grown due to the continued need to travel as far as Biratnagar or Dharan even for basic treatments. – Thaha Khabar