Health Ministry announces service improvements at 17 hospitals

File Photo of Bir Hospital. Photo Courtesy: National Academy of Medical Sciences

Kathmandu: The Ministry of Health and Population has announced significant improvements in services at 17 affiliated hospitals. This initiative follows a directive issued by Health Minister Pradeep Paudel in July, aimed at enhancing service quality and managing hospital crowds more effectively. The directive, which introduced a two-shift system to boost service standards, has led to a series of improvements across these facilities.

The Shukra Raj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in Kathmandu has significantly improved its service by distributing over 90 percent of medications through its own pharmacy for health insurance beneficiaries. This change is expected to streamline the process and increase patient satisfaction.

At the Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital in Thapathali, both the general outpatient department (OPD) services and surgical periods have been extended. This adjustment aims to better accommodate patient needs and reduce waiting times.

The BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan has introduced a separate counter for radiology services. This dedicated counter is designed to enhance the efficiency of radiological examinations and reduce delays for patients requiring these services.

The National Trauma Center in Kathmandu has commenced offering 24-hour emergency surgical services. This round-the-clock availability is intended to provide immediate care for urgent cases and improve patient outcomes.

The Manmohan Cardio-Thoracic Vascular and Transplant Center has arranged for surgeries to be performed within one month of patient registration. This initiative is part of the hospital’s effort to expedite surgical interventions and reduce patient wait times.

Kanti Children’s Hospital in Maharajgunj is expanding its facilities by adding six beds for emergency pediatric care and 20 beds for observation. This expansion is aimed at better supporting the needs of young patients and improving the overall capacity of the hospital.

Furthermore, the Patan Academy of Health Sciences has started providing OPD and surgical services even on holidays. This extension of service hours is expected to increase accessibility and convenience for patients.

In addition to these specific improvements, other hospitals have also expanded their services to include better crowd management, extended OPD hours, and the introduction of online ticketing systems. These measures collectively aim to enhance the overall efficiency and quality of healthcare services across the affiliated hospitals.