Kathmandu, December 13 – The Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center, operated under Tribhuvan University and known for its specialized services in heart, vascular, and pulmonary care, has cited lack of space as a major hurdle in expanding its services.
Executive Director Dr. Ratnamani Gajurel stated that although the center is preparing to launch nuclear cardiology services in the near future, the plan has stalled due to insufficient infrastructure. Nuclear cardiology is an advanced technology used for diagnosing and treating heart conditions. Although an annex building was constructed earlier, it currently houses OPD and operation theatres, leaving no dedicated space for the new service. As a result, the center is actively looking for additional space, Dr. Gajurel told Swāsthya Diary.
The center performed approximately 3,000 surgeries last year, covering a range of specialized heart, vascular, and lung procedures. It receives over 400 outpatient visits daily, most of which are referred cases, primarily from the neighboring Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.
Though the Manmohan Center operates under a university, the public largely perceives it as a government hospital. “People believe we are a government hospital, so we operate accordingly,” said Dr. Gajurel.
The hospital provides free and subsidized services in various categories as mandated by the Government of Nepal. For instance, free heart valve replacement is available for patients under 15 and above 75 years of age. Additionally, financial aid up to NPR 100,000 is available for heart treatment of poor and underprivileged patients through the hospital’s Social Service Unit, according to Administrative Chief Krishna Dev Pant.
Although Tribhuvan University provides some medical staff, the hospital manages the majority of its workforce independently. Dr. Gajurel explained that the center has become a self-sustaining public institution through revenue generated from its services.
🎥 Watch the full interview with Dr. Ratnamani Gajurel
