Employees Refuse to Vacate Housing at BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital

The BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, constructed with support from the Chinese government, had directed employees residing there against regulations to vacate the housing by April 29. Separate accommodations have been arranged for support staff, officers, and doctors, with 18 families currently residing in Chinese-assisted buildings. The hospital administration reminded employees that those with private housing within 25 kilometers are not entitled to hospital accommodation and instructed them to vacate the rooms; however, no one has yet left the premises.

On April 27 in Chitwan, staff living in the hospital residences against the rules refused to vacate despite the administration’s directive issued on April 13 urging immediate relocation. The hospital prioritizes providing housing for medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, and assistants engaged in emergency services, which is why the order to vacate was issued.

According to Shila Regmi, the hospital’s store chief, there are distinct housing provisions for support staff, officers, and doctors. Ten houses are designated for support staff, accommodating up to 60 families. For officers, there are six houses consisting of 10 single rooms and 10 additional units designed for two families each. Additionally, six houses, each capable of housing four families, accommodate two Chinese and four senior local physicians at the officer level.

In two buildings constructed with Chinese aid, 18 families currently reside. Among the 36 rooms allocated for support staff, 18 families have taken shelter. Despite notifications reiterating the policy that employees with private residences within a 25-kilometer radius are ineligible for hospital housing, no residents have vacated to date.