BAJHANG: The Bajhang District Hospital is short of the human resources required to operate ventilators.

Two ventilators were managed at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the hospital last year in line with the decision of Sudurpaschim Province government.

The ventilators brought to the health facility last year are gathering dust; still awaiting skilled hands for their operation. As a result, patients with acute respiratory problems have been deprived of treatment services.

During the second wave of coronavirus, more than 1,600 people were infected in the district, while 21 lost their lives for lack of treatment.

Chief of Health Office, Bajhang, Bhanubhakta Joshi, said that there was no skilled human resource to run the ventilator. Many patients suffering from acute health conditions had to be referred to Dadeldhura and Kailali for treatment during the first and second waves of COVID-19.

There are eight ICU beds along with two ventilators in the district hospital, according to Dr. Milan Khadka.

However, hospital Chief Dr. Abanesh Koirala said Dr. Khadka and a nurse Sadhana Khadka had been trained recently for the operation of ventilators.