New Municipal Hospital Inaugurated in Panauti, Kavrepalanchok

Kavrepalanchok. A municipal hospital has been brought into operation in Khopasi, Panauti Municipality-10. The hospital stated that it has commenced regular services from 9:00 AM, staffed by nine personnel, including two medical officers, in the first phase.

The hospital, built with the assistance of the Indian Embassy, was jointly inaugurated on Monday by Mayor Ramsharan Bhandari and Deputy Mayor Gita Banjara. Although the building construction was completed earlier, services were delayed for various reasons; however, they have now officially commenced. Bhandari, who also serves as the coordinator of the hospital management committee, stated that the facility has begun operations with quality lab services, specialist care, and X-ray machines. He emphasized that the municipality has prioritized healthcare for its citizens by launching this hospital.

With the hospital now operational, residents of Panauti and surrounding areas will have access to convenient healthcare services. It has been stated that patients will only be referred elsewhere for services not available at this facility. Bhandari informed that a pharmacy service has also been established to distribute medicines provided free of charge by the government. According to him, the hospital's services will be gradually expanded with additional specialist care and modern equipment. Currently, Rs 4 million provided by the Bagmati Province government has been utilized for the procurement and management of necessary equipment.

The hospital was developed by upgrading the former Khopasi Primary Health Center, which was built and operated by JICA. The construction of the hospital cost Rs 60 million. With the facility now operational, it is expected that the compulsion for Panauti residents to travel far for basic healthcare will be alleviated to some extent. Including this new facility, there are now 15 health institutions operating within Panauti Municipality.