Kathmandu. Health equipment worth crores of rupees is lying unused in major hospitals, which are the center of trust of patients across the country for the treatment of serious diseases.
The Office of the Auditor General published the fiscal year 2080 on Wednesday. Bp Koirala Institute of Health Sciences Dharan, Trauma Centre (Bir Hospital), Shaheed Gangalal National Heart Centre, Koshi Hospital, ventilators, cath labs and other critical and sensitive equipment have been stored in an unused state or damaged condition.
According to the Accountant General, the Koshi Hospital in Biratnagar has purchased rs. 10,000 including ventilators. Five types of equipment worth Rs 20.86 million, purchased by the National Academy of Medical Sciences (Trauma Centre) and seven types of equipment worth Rs 42.965 million, including ventilators and patient monitors handed over by the Department of Health Services, have been stocked.
Similarly, the Department handed over Rs. 10,000 to BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan. Portable USG machines and 11 ventilators worth Rs 55.949 million and Rs 55.949 million were provided at Shaheed Gangalal National Heart Centre. A plasma sterilizer machine worth Rs 22.5 million is lying unused.
The 100-bed hospital established by BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences for COVID-19 purposes was later used for the treatment of dengue. Equipment worth Rs 245.15 million has been damaged.
Similarly, a $50,500 cathlab machine used in the treatment of heart disease at Trauma Centre Hospital and rs 50,000 in cash. 14 ventilators worth Rs 25.13 million. Five cram machines worth Rs 86.11 lakh and Rs. The backman coulter worth Rs 9.96 million is not in operation due to the breakdown.
Issuing directives in the report, the Auditor General has said, “The Ministry of Health and Population should prepare a record regarding the operation of equipment in various health institutions and make arrangements for effective use.” ’
