Fewer free beds at Bir hits poor patients

KATHMANDU, Sept 9: Poor patients visiting Bir Hospital are less likely to get free beds than they did prior to the April earthquake as the hospital was forced to reduce the number of beds in lack of space after some wards suffered damages during the disaster.

The massive earthquake of April 25 caused serious damage to one of the hospital's building. The engineers from the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC) assigned red sticker to the damaged building, implying that it be demolished completely.
"These days we have to turn away more patients that need to be admitted as we were forced to slash 78 beds after the earthquake," Dr Swyam Praksah Pandit, director at the hospital, said. Hundreds of patients from across the country visit the hospital as it is a national referral center and is renowned for providing quality care at affordable price.

The hospital had 430 beds in operation prior to the devastating earthquake. Out of 430 beds, the hospital offered 330 beds free of cost to patients. Patients, who get the free beds even, get free treatment at the hospital. The hospital had shifted all the patients to the nearby Trauma Centre after the devastating earthquake.

"Patients have to wait longer for treatment these days or go to private centers," said director Pandit.

Apart from the beds in general ward, even the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Bir Hospital has fewer beds than earlier. Director Pandit informed that out of 13 surgical ICU beds of the hospital only five are functional. ICU service at private centers is too costly and most people in need prefer to find a bed at Bir first as the ICU service at the hospital is nominal.

Over 1,800 patients used to visit the hospital's Out-patient Department (OPD) everyday during monsoon season.

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