BAJURA: Two local governments in Bajura district have begun operating 10-bed basic hospitals, expanding access to primary healthcare despite shortages of medical personnel, medicines and equipment.
Jagannath Rural Municipality and Gaumul Rural Municipality have started providing health services through their newly established facilities.
Gaumul Rural Municipality began operating its 10-bed basic hospital around one and a half years after construction of the facility was completed. Rural Municipality Chairperson Hari Bahadur Rokaya formally inaugurated the hospital’s services on Wednesday.
Rokaya said the launch of services was delayed because the local government needed additional time to arrange electricity, medicines, medical equipment and human resources. He said the necessary infrastructure and personnel have now been arranged to provide basic healthcare, although the hospital is still without a medical officer.
The 10-bed hospital in Juddi was constructed at a cost of Rs 117.8 million and has been operational for more than two years.
Acting Chief Administrative Officer Rabindra Bahadur Shahi said the facility is providing services despite shortages of health workers and equipment. He added that the medical officer position has remained vacant since March 2026.
The availability of basic healthcare services locally is expected to benefit residents of Gaumul by reducing the need to travel to Martadi, the district headquarters, for treatment of minor illnesses and other routine health needs.
Other local governments in Bajura have yet to fully operate their basic hospitals. Badimalika Municipality has completed construction of a 10-bed hospital and is preparing to begin services.
Meanwhile, construction of a 15-bed hospital in Budhiganga Municipality has remained stalled for the past five years. Hospital projects in other local governments across the district are also still under construction.
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