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Politics sicken health centres
KATHMANDU, APR 26 -
Call it a perennial problem or political influence at work, government-run health institutions in rural areas are struggling to deliver.
This is exactly what government health workers posted there echo. They say lack of trained and adequate human resources is hindering the delivery of basic public health services to the needy people.
“Health workers at many government hospitals and health posts across the country are always under heavy pressure,” said Sita Joshi, an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) working at Madvara Public Health Centre, Baitadi.
“Most of the hospitals and health posts are understaffed and nepotism and favouritism are at work when it comes to the matter of promotion. Merit and dedication count count not.”
A medic from Shankhuwasabha District Hospital, Dr. Deb Raj Regmi, underscored the problem. Skilled and trained work force is hard to find, he said. “The worst part,” he said, “is that there is political intervention in our profession. We are even compelled to deal with cases that we can hardly handle.”
Health professionals also said healthy working environment is a key issue in Nepal achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
“People still are dogmatic and they consult traditional doctors before visiting us,” said Guna Kala Khanal, a staff nurse at District Health Office, Argahakhanchi.
They were speaking at a conference organised by Ministry of Health and Nick Simons Institute in the Capital on Monday.
In response, Minister for Health Umakant Chaudhary parroted what he usually says in general: The government will do its best to resolve the problems faced by health workers across the country.
At the programme, Assistant Nurse Midwife Anugra Thagunna working at the Haat Health Post in Baitadi district was honoured with the “Nick Simons Best Health Worker Award”.
Posted on: 2010-04-27 07:17
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