Pharmacy services halted at BPKIHS
The institute also cited a recent incident involving negligence by pharmacy staff that escalated into a dispute with service recipients, a video of which went viral on YouTube.
KATHMANDU: Pharmacy services at the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) in Dharan have come to a halt for the past few days due to an ongoing protest by pharmacists working at the facility.
In an official statement released on Monday, the institute condemned the disruption of services, labeling it illegal and accusing the supplier company, KTM Security Services Pvt. Ltd., of breaching contract terms and violating legal provisions.
“It is a serious violation of prevailing laws to abruptly shut down essential services in a sensitive institution like this,” stated the notice, signed by Associate Spokesperson Dr. Abhijit Kumar.
KTM Security Services had originally signed a three-year agreement with the institute in 2070 BS, which has since been extended to ensure continued service.
However, BPKIHS claims that the company unilaterally suspended pharmacy operations without any prior notice.
The institute also cited a recent incident involving negligence by pharmacy staff that escalated into a dispute with service recipients, a video of which went viral on YouTube.
The incident has drawn public criticism and, according to the institute, harmed its reputation.
Despite being contractually obligated to promptly replace underperforming staff, KTM Security Services allegedly failed to make necessary adjustments.
Furthermore, BPKIHS claims it had already informed the company about grievances concerning delayed salaries and benefits, but no effective action was taken.
“We are actively working to restore pharmacy services at the earliest,” the statement read. “We sincerely apologize to the public for the inconvenience caused.”
The institute is urging a swift resolution to the issue, emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted healthcare services.
