Nepal’s hidden health crisis

“Time heals all wounds.” This saying rang hollow to Saurya, who couldn’t get over the experience that left him dejected. Living in a world dominated by 21st-century technology, he often wondered why rural areas in Nepal still lagged behind, particularly in the health sector. Just a month ago, he lost a close friend because the local hospital lacked the necessary provisions and equipment to save his life.

Hospitals are meant to be lifelines, yet in many parts of Nepal, people struggle to access even basic healthcare. Saurya recalls Article 35 of Nepal’s Constitution, promulgated in 2015, which guarantees that no one shall be deprived of emergency health services and that everyone has the right to equal access to healthcare. Despite knowing these rights, he now found himself in despair. The law seemed distant and irrelevant in the face of his loss, leaving him heartbroken and disillusioned.

This tragedy is not just Saurya’s story—it reflects the broader struggles of countless people in Nepal’s rural areas. Many are still deprived of basic healthcare services, from pediatric care to essential diagnostic tools. Hospitals in these regions often lack the most basic equipment to treat diseases and care for patients, leading to tragic outcomes. The situation is especially dire in Nepal’s largest province, Karnali, where many hospitals suffer from chronic shortages of critical medicines and skilled personnel.

A 2023 report from the Global Press Journal highlights that “few people are willing to work in Nepal’s largest state,” citing poor infrastructure as a key reason. Patients often have to travel more than 100 kilometers to receive treatment. The provincial Ministry of Social Development reports that Karnali has the fewest health institutions in the country, with just 15 hospitals spread across its 10 districts. Even these facilities are plagued by resource shortages, causing significant hardships for those in need of care. Since 2022, for example, the District Hospital in Mugu has been forced to refer patients elsewhere for surgeries due to a lack of specialist doctors. This grim reality underscores the severe challenges ordinary people face due to inadequate healthcare services.

In response, the government allocated Rs 86.24b to the Ministry of Health and Population for the fiscal year 2024/25. This budget could play a pivotal role in building new hospitals and recruiting qualified doctors, nurses, and support staff, especially in underserved areas like Karnali. In addition to hospital upgrades, infrastructure development in rural areas is crucial. Financial support is also needed to make healthcare more affordable for low-income populations.

The saying ‘Health is wealth’ reminds us that nothing is more valuable than our health. A healthy body and mind are the foundation for personal and societal growth. As our society progresses, it is essential that hospitals across the country are equipped to serve all citizens, regardless of location. The government must ensure that basic facilities, adequate healthcare personnel, and sufficient hospitals are available to meet the needs of the population.

Nepal’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, especially in regions like Karnali. Despite constitutional guarantees, many citizens struggle to access even the most basic medical services. The government’s allocated budget must be used effectively to ensure equitable healthcare for all, as addressing these issues is essential for the well-being and future growth of the nation.

Prakriti Thapa

BA IInd Year,

St Xavier’s College, Maitighar