RUKUM, June 17: Water scarcity has crippled the district hospital of Rukum, where dozens of patients for treatment every day. With the water resources drying up in the dry season, the hospital is not able to manage even drinking water for patients and visitors.

They lament that the situation has taken further toll on the health of the patients. 

According to Rajendra DC, chief of District Health Office, water scarcity is not a new problem in the hospital. However, over the years, it has become more severe as the water sources have begun to dry permanently. “This is an annual problem. In dry season, water resources dry up. But there are fewer sources left compared to the past,” he said. “We have water here but only for doctors and staff. But it is not available for patients and visitors,” he admitted.

The patients and visitors are forced to go to hotels to seek water in this hot temperature.

Patients in critical condition find it too inconvenient as they have to step out of the hospital for food and sanitation.  

“We hardly get drinking water in the hospital. We have to go out in search of water,” said Dhan Bahadur Khadka, a local of Triveni-3. “Even hotels don't provide clean water, but we have no choice,” he added. Khadka has been admitted to the hospital since the last few days. 

According to the hospital administration, around 40 patients come for check up in the hospital every day. The patients have suffer a lot in lack of water. 

DC meanwhile stated that water supply in the hospital would be too costly. Since there is no water resource nearby, managing water in the hospital calls for a big, serious plan, he said. “We are aware that the lack of water has badly affected the hospital service. We have to seriously plan for it. Or else, the problem cannot be solved,” he stated. “The cost goes very high if we for making water available in the hospital due to its remoteness,” he added. 

A local of Aathbiskot Municipality, Shyam Bahadur BK, reported that the hospital does not let patients use its toilets due to lack of water. The hospital neither provides drinking water nor sanitation. “Just imagine how filthy can a hospital be when there is no water around,” he commented. 

 
• water scarcity
 
• rukum district hospital