Shortage of Doctors at Humla District Hospital Creates Treatment Challenges

March 30, Humla – A few days ago, Ak Nepali from Chankheli Rural Municipality-2 suffered serious injuries after falling off a cliff. He was taken to Humla District Hospital for treatment. However, the hospital immediately referred him to another facility, stating treatment was not possible there. His relatives took him to Simikot Airport to fly to Surkhet, but he passed away at the airport.

Basna Shahi, 34, from Chankheli-4, experienced labor pains and was rushed to Humla Hospital by her family. However, the hospital referred her to the Provincial Hospital in Surkhet. Similarly, Asmita Budha (Lama), 25, from Simikot Rural Municipality-4, was also referred to the Provincial Hospital in Surkhet when brought to Humla District Hospital for delivery.

At the hospital premises, Belu Rokaya from Simikot-5 was present seeking treatment for her 5-year-old son. Yet, there were no doctors available. Concerned about her child’s condition, treatment was being provided solely by nurses.

Lalpuri Sunar from Dadaphyak-7 of Simikot Rural Municipality walked two hours on foot to reach Humla District Hospital after her daughter fell ill. Although her daughter’s health was examined, the hospital did not provide test reports on the same day.

These representative incidents at Humla District Hospital in the remote Karnali Himalayan region highlight the lack of essential medical treatment. Despite being the only district hospital, patients struggle to receive even basic care and must be prepared to be referred elsewhere. Doctors are not easily available, and there is a shortage of adequate medicines and equipment.

The 15-bed hospital reportedly never has specialist doctors as per sanctioned positions, leaving the community’s hope for care unfulfilled. According to Dr. Umakant Tiwari, Chief of the Public Health Service Office and hospital, many medical positions are authorized but vacant.

He stated that there are three specialist posts at the ninth level: one gynecologist, one general surgeon, and one orthopedic specialist. However, these positions are currently unfilled.

Further, there are four sanctioned posts for medical officers at the eighth level, including Dr. Tiwari himself, who has completed his MDGB studies. Of the other three officers, one is on study leave, one on maternity leave, and the third is currently not present in the hospital.

The hospital also has one medical officer serving as a volunteer from Nik Simon organization and two doctors working under scholarship contracts. Posts include one dental surgeon, three assistant health workers (AHEB), and four general nurses, but these positions are often unfilled and sometimes no doctors are available at all.

Dr. Tiwari acknowledged that the shortage of manpower is the root of the problem. “Specialist doctors are reluctant to come. I am the only one living in such a remote area,” he said. “Other colleagues come and go for various reasons, which disrupts service delivery.”

Nevertheless, the hospital claims to provide daily emergency, laboratory, X-ray, and video X-ray services, and has arrangements for maternity care within the district.