Kathmandu: In a significant move aimed at improving public healthcare services, Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Poudel has initiated preparations to recruit over 2,000 additional health personnel across federal hospitals.

The decision comes amid increasing patient pressure and a long-standing shortage of staff in key hospitals. Minister Poudel, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, launched the recruitment plan based on a detailed organization and management (O&M) survey conducted by a task force led by Joint Secretary Rishi Acharya.

According to the report, a total of 2,102 health personnel are recommended for addition, with a focus on technical staff in high-pressure health facilities. The new organizational structure is designed for phased implementation over five years.

Key hospital-wise breakdown includes:

-Bir Hospital: 777 personnel (including 90 for the trauma center)

-Kanti Children's Hospital: 78 personnel

-Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital: 173 personnel

-Shukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital: 317 personnel

-Koshi Hospital: 172 personnel

-Narayani Hospital: 318 personnel

-Bheri Hospital: 179 personnel

-Gajendra Narayan Memorial Hospital, Rajbiraj: 144 personnel

-Bharatpur Hospital, Chitwan: 465 personnel

-Dadeldhura Hospital: 52 personnel

-Department of Drug Administration and Lab Services: 40 personnel

Receiving the report, Minister Poudel expressed optimism that the long-standing staffing crisis in government hospitals would now begin to ease. “This is a major step toward solving the persistent shortage of health workers and improving service delivery,” he stated.

He further added that the move would help minimize the reliance on temporary and contract-based employees, ensuring long-term stability in hospital staffing. The government also plans to conduct similar O&M surveys annually to keep pace with growing healthcare demands.

This is the first comprehensive structural review since 2066 B.S., and health experts believe its implementation could help address critical gaps in human resources while creating much-needed jobs in the sector.