Chief Minister Shah inaugurates Lamkichuha hospital amid tight security

Dhangadhi: Security has been tightened in the Lamki area of Kailali after Sudurpaschim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah scheduled a program to inaugurate Lamkichuha Provincial Hospital.

Chief Minister Shah arrived in Lamkichuha on Thursday morning to inaugurate the hospital amid an ongoing dispute between the provincial government and Lamkichuha Municipality over its operation. A significant number of police personnel were deployed in and around the hospital premises ahead of his arrival.

The provincial government and the municipality have long been unable to reach an agreement regarding the operation and handover of the hospital.

The Ministry of Social Development under the provincial government had deployed three employees, including Medical Superintendent Dr. Kamlesh Prasad Yadav, in April to operate the hospital. However, the dispute escalated after the municipality’s mayor, Sushila Shahi, instructed staff not to report to duty, stating that the hospital had not been formally handed over to the provincial government.

The hospital was also locked on April 30 over the same issue, leading to a tense situation in the Lamki area. The provincial government claims it has completed all necessary procedures to operate the hospital as a provincial facility and has allocated a budget, but confusion remains due to the municipality’s refusal to hand it over.

It is also reported that there is a political and internal dispute between Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah and Mayor Sushila Shahi over the issue. Police said security has been heightened since morning due to the possibility of protests and obstruction from supporters of Mayor Shahi.