The National Innovation Center’s recent initiative to repair medical equipment in federal hospitals has not only benefited patients but also laid the foundation for national self-reliance. To expand this effort, continuous support from the government and innovation enthusiasts is essential.
In many government hospitals, patients often have to turn to private laboratories for medical tests recommended by doctors. Some treatments and surgeries cannot be performed due to malfunctioning equipment. Consequently, patients face inconvenience and financial burdens, while hospitals lose potential revenue. This long-standing issue is now being addressed, offering hope for improvement.
The National Innovation Center repaired malfunctioning equipment in 10 federal hospitals, enabling the resumption of numerous medical services. This initiative marks a positive beginning that needs nationwide expansion.
Last August, Health Minister Pradeep Paudel and the center’s chairman, Mahabir Pun, signed an agreement to repair and manage medical equipment in 17 federal hospitals. Following the agreement, the center’s biomedical engineering team inspected 660 devices and prepared detailed reports. Out of these, 484 machines — valued at approximately NPR 243 million — were repaired and restored. The repaired equipment includes ventilators, dialysis machines, anesthesia machines, video X-ray autoclave machines, blood pressure monitors, ECG machines, and patient monitors. However, 176 devices are still awaiting repairs due to the need for spare parts.
Reinstating these machines enhances hospital services, boosts hospital revenue, and strengthens their reputation. Improved financial stability will allow hospitals to offer better medical and physical facilities, fostering healthy competition in service quality. Patients will receive more services under one roof at lower costs.
However, the initiative has also exposed the malpractice of purchasing new equipment for commission without proper operational plans. Some officials neglect minor repairs, preferring to buy new devices for personal gain. The discovery of machines left idle due to minor issues like disconnected wires highlights the irresponsibility and negligence of hospital authorities. This trend drains state resources, but the repair initiative is expected to curb such practices, saving public funds and enabling their allocation to more constructive projects.
The National Innovation Center’s dedication is commendable, especially given its limited resources and manpower. Despite facing a shortage of biomedical engineers, the center continues repairing various machines, including agricultural equipment from the defunct Birgunj Agricultural Tools Factory. The center’s efforts deserve encouragement and support.
Expanding this repair model to other sectors could significantly reduce public expenses, enhance skill development, and transfer expertise to younger generations. These skills could be applied to infrastructure projects and development programs, generating employment and boosting national confidence.
The repair initiative by the National Innovation Center is not only a step toward better healthcare services but also a symbol of national self-reliance. Sustaining and broadening this initiative requires the continuous engagement of the government and innovation enthusiasts alike.
