Health Ministry Operating from Temporary Tin-Shed Amidst Infrastructure Challenges

The Ministry of Health is currently functioning in temporary tin sheds within the Singha Durbar premises, where work becomes difficult during the rainy season due to water and mud. After the ministry building was completely set on fire during the Gen-Ji movement in Bhadra (August-September) of last year, the ministry established a temporary office on the vacant land of the Narsingh Dal Gan within Singha Durbar. Dr. Bhaktbahadur KC, the ministry’s information officer, stated that an appropriate building is being sought and coordination with the government is ongoing to relocate the ministry entirely inside Singha Durbar.

The Ministry of Health and Population, located in the nation’s supreme administrative center Singha Durbar, is forced to endure severe shortages and disorder. Upon entering the ministry compound, one sees the temporary tin structures or ‘boxes’ where the Health Minister, Secretary, and several divisions operate. Staff are compelled to work in these structures. Once the rainy season begins, the condition of these structures deteriorates further. Water accumulates around the premises and mud makes movement difficult within the office complex.

Employees’ shoes get muddy as they carry files from one room to another. “The entire compound becomes muddy when it rains. The tin roofs clang, disrupting work,” said a ministry staff member. Another issue arises from cramped working spaces, with three to four employees sharing a single table. Due to limited rooms and insufficient desks, more than three employees have to share one table.

According to ministry officials, it is not feasible to continue operations long-term in these temporary arrangements, so relocating the ministry to an appropriate government building soon is necessary. As the Health Ministry directly serves the public, it sees many visitors daily. However, the pass system required to enter Singha Durbar makes management challenging.