Khandbari Hospital faces shortage of beds as dengue, viral cases surge

Kimathanka (Sankhuwasabha)- The number of patients with viral fever, dengue, and scrub typhus has increased at Khandbari Hospital in Sankhuwasabha district.

According to the hospital, cases of viral fever, dengue, and scrub typhus have surged since mid-July, posing challenges for managing the required number of beds. Shekhar Khatri, the hospital’s information officer, stated that cases of viral fever and dengue have significantly increased recently. As cases rise, the available beds are insufficient.

As a result, the hospital has utilized alternative spaces on the floor for patient treatment. Currently, a hall and an open area within the hospital are being used for patient care. In addition to viral fever and dengue, there has been a significant increase in diagnosed cases of scrub typhus. Since the Nepali month of Baisakh (April-May), the hospital has recorded 160 cases of scrub typhus and 7 cases of dengue.

In the last fiscal year, the hospital reported 1,144 cases of dengue and 520 cases of scrub typhus. Recently, cases of viral fever have also risen in both government and private health facilities. Established in 2033 BS, the hospital is based in the district headquarters Khandbari. It has 50 beds and people from 10 local levels within the district and over half the territory of neighboring Bhojpur visit it for treatment.