
By Pallav Bhusal,Kathmandu, Feb. 4: Nepal’s healthcare landscape has undergone a significant change, particularly in the realm of medical equipment procurement, since the establishment of federalism. There are multiple challenges and efforts involved in ensuring quality healthcare services across the diverse regions of Nepal.
According to Dr. Surendra Prasad Chaurasia, Section Chief of the Logistic Management Section at the Department of Health Services, post-federalism, and the three tiers of government – local, provincial, and central – have autonomously allocated and purchased medical equipment based on their specific needs and budgetary constraints. Simultaneously, both government and private hospitals have been engaged in strategic acquisitions, tailoring their purchases to meet distinct operational requirements. “Additionally, a considerable portion of medical equipment has been acquired through donations, a trend particularly pronounced during the unrestrained times of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
Dr. Chaurasia informed that the intricate procurement process is initiated with a careful analysis of minimum service standards and the specific equipment requirements articulated by government hospitals. “The Nepal government, guided by comprehensive policies and programmes, allocates budgets for the acquisition of necessary medical equipment. This strategic planning ensures a collaborative approach among the three levels of government, preventing redundancy and optimizing resource allocation,” he said.
Collaboration with medical experts, including doctors, nurses, and biomedical engineers, plays a pivotal role in the finalization of medical equipment purchases. This consultative approach ensures a nuanced understanding of the practical needs of healthcare professionals. The engagement of experts also guarantees that the acquired equipment meets the stringent standards set by international organizations, including the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and the European Medicine Agencies.
“While commendable efforts have been made to meet the minimum service standards, concerns persist regarding the overall quality of medical equipment,” adds Dr. Chaurasia.
The ongoing challenge of delivering efficient medical services is due to the variable quality of the equipment. As technology evolves at a rapid pace, the imperative to update and maintain modern medical equipment becomes paramount for ensuring sustained, high-quality healthcare services.
“Acknowledging the need for continuous improvement, the Nepal government is actively working towards updating the quality of medical equipment. The commitment extends beyond mere acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of simultaneously updating the skills of healthcare professionals to effectively utilize advanced medical technologies. This holistic approach seeks to align the healthcare infrastructure with the evolving landscape of medical science,” said Dr. Chaurasia.
While the private healthcare sector significantly contributes to the provision of healthcare services, the affordability of these services remains a challenge. Dr. Chaurasia acknowledged the commendable services provided by the private sector but highlighted the inherent cost implications. Striking a delicate balance between quality and affordability remains a priority for the government in its pursuit of equitable healthcare provision.
Article 35 of the Constitution of
Nepal enshrines the right of every citizen to access to free basic health services from the state. However, challenges persist in fulfilling these constitutional rights due to a myriad of factors, including equipment quality, the availability of skilled healthcare professionals, and limitations in healthcare infrastructure.
The Policy and Action Plan 2023/24 outlines pivotal initiatives to enhance healthcare services, including ensuring essential medical personnel, equipping hospitals with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, and establishing specialized healthcare facilities. These policies are a testament to the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services to its citizens.
There are various challenges in purchasing of apparatus including equipment non-operation, the need for streamlined procurement procedures, and the absence of standardized criteria for acquiring medical equipment. Ongoing efforts to address these challenges involve institutionalising procurement information systems, enhancing contract management, and building capacity in procurement and supply management.
“To overcome the multifaceted challenges in healthcare equipment procurement, there should be an advocacy for policy reforms. Proposals include introducing a dedicated section for the procurement of health supplies in the Public Procurement Act, ensuring consistency in quality and pricing through centralized bidding, and formulating regulations for national quality standards,” said Dr. Chaurasia.
There should be vigorous initiatives and the areas that demand attention to build a resilient and efficient healthcare system. Addressing these challenges is not only imperative for enhancing the healthcare system but also for ensuring that the constitutional rights of citizens to quality healthcare are not just aspirations but tangible realities. The journey towards a robust and inclusive healthcare system in Nepal is ongoing, and the insights provided serve as a compass guiding the nation towards a better healthier future.The Rising Nepal