KATHMANDU: Former Health Minister and Nepali Congress General Secretary Pradip Paudel has emphasized that upgrading Geta Hospital to at least a 300-bed capacity is an indispensable first step toward bringing the Shahid Dasarath Chand Health Sciences University into operation.

In a Facebook post, Paudel proposed integrating Seti Provincial Hospital into the university setup, noting that the Sudurpashchim Provincial Government has already granted prior approval.

According to Paudel, deploying the existing workforce of the Ministry of Health and Population through this merger would allow the university and hospital to become operational at a minimal cost.

Recalling his tenure as Health Minister, Paudel stated that source funding had already been ensured in the budget for the fiscal year 2025/026 to expand Geta Hospital’s services and launch the MBBS program.

He noted that although protests arose at the time from certain groups under the guise of local residents due to misunderstandings, the ministry was fully prepared to upgrade the facility and begin medical education.

Addressing the recent hunger strike started by crusade medical activist Dr. Govinda KC, Paudel expressed support, asserting that Dr. KC’s demands ultimately align with strengthening the health sciences university.

However, he warned that certain elements are once again making excuses to disrupt the expansion and operation of the hospital—which serves as the backbone of the university.

“Operationalizing Geta Hospital by immediately upgrading it to a 300-bed capacity is the only logical and practical path forward,” Paudel stressed. “Without doing so, neither can the university’s purpose be justified, nor can MBBS classes begin.”