BUTWAL: The Supreme Court received a petition challenging the recent decisions made by the Lumbini province government, fueling controversy.
Former chairmen of 13 hospital development committees in the province have lodged a writ, alleging their unjust removal and unlawful replacement.
During the provincial cabinet meeting on October 18, new appointments were made, prompting outcry from the ousted presidents who claim their removal violated regulations and was politically motivated. They assert being dismissed abruptly without due notice or explanation.
Ajaya Man Shrestha, former president of Lumbini Provincial Hospital in Butwal, disclosed the Supreme Court filing, highlighting the alleged mistreatment of former presidents by the government’s actions.
Padam Neupane, former president of Rapti Provincial Hospital in Dang, expressed dismay over their premature and unauthorized removal, questioning the rationale behind such actions when they were actively contributing. “Why were we abruptly ousted without any prior information, especially when we were performing well?” Neupane questioned. He criticized the government’s irresponsible handling of the sensitive hospital domain.
He further criticized the government for what he termed as favoritism in appointments, emphasizing that the alteration of regulations to appoint individuals with political affiliations was unacceptable.
The writ lists Chief Minister Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary, Health Minister Raju Khanal, Finance Minister Dhan Bahadur Maskey, and the newly appointed chairpersons as opposing parties.
The appointments of the hospital development committee chairpersons were linked to various political parties, with the ruling party dominating the selection – Nepali Congress securing 6, CPN-Maoist Center 4, and three other minor parties participating in the nominations.
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