Kathmandu, March 10
Bir Hospital, the oldest medical institution in Nepal, has introduced dual-shift surgery services to address the growing patient backlog. Previously, patients often had to wait two to three months for their turn.
According to Acting Director Dr Samaj Gautam, the hospital has started conducting surgeries in two shifts for departments such as ENT, dentistry, urology, and general surgery. Preparations are also underway to expand the dual-shift system to other surgical procedures.
“We have launched dual-shift services for departments facing high patient loads,” said Dr Gautam. “Gradually, we plan to extend this system to other services as well.”
The initiative has been implemented using the hospital’s internal resources and manpower. Dr Gautam had pledged to introduce this system upon assuming his role as acting director.
Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel had earlier directed all federal hospitals to operate OPD services in two shifts. Following this directive, Bir Hospital has now implemented the dual-shift surgery system, although it had previously been providing OPD services and emergency care on public holidays.
