In Karnali, basic healthcare can mean hours of waiting
Summary
Patients in Karnali province are waiting hours for even basic treatment as district hospitals face chronic shortages of doctors, specialists and essential equipment. Many residents are being sent to other districts for care, while officials say vacancies will be filled through the Public Service Commission.
Key Points
- District hospitals in Karnali are operating with severe shortages of specialists and medical officers, forcing patients to wait hours for basic care.
- Hospitals in Rukum West, Salyan, Jajarkot, Humla, Kalikot and Dolpa are all affected, with some critical services such as maternity care suspended.
- Doctors and hospital officials say the patient load far exceeds sanctioned staffing levels, and many cases are being referred to Nepalgunj or Surkhet.
- The Karnali provincial ministry says the vacant posts will be filled through the Public Service Commission this fiscal year.
