Kathmandu__
Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel, has taken proactive steps to prevent the misuse and encroachment of land belonging to government hospitals and health institutions across Nepal.
Despite repeated complaints about land encroachment involving federal hospitals, laboratories, and health centers, no concrete action had been taken until now. In response, Minister Paudel has instructed ministry officials to immediately collect detailed information regarding the current status of such land holdings.
Following his directive, the Ministry of Health and Population has issued a circular to all relevant hospitals, laboratories, and centers that have not yet submitted their land data, requiring them to report within seven days. Based on the collected information, the ministry plans to take necessary action in cases where land encroachment is confirmed.
Previously, Minister Paudel had intervened in the case of encroached land belonging to the Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center. As a result of his initiative, steps are now being taken to utilize that land for the center’s expansion.
Although complaints regarding land encroachment of government hospitals have been widespread, in many cases, the ministry lacks verified documentation. To address this gap, Minister Paudel has launched a strict verification and monitoring campaign aimed at preventing land misuse.
An internal analysis by the ministry reveals that some land is being leased to third parties, while others are still pending formal registration. These issues have already disrupted service delivery in certain areas and could hamper future expansion in others.
According to the minister’s secretariat, this renewed effort focuses on verifying ownership records and ensuring the protection and appropriate use of government health infrastructure.
Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the ministry, expressed confidence that this initiative to safeguard the land of federal hospitals will yield positive results.