Birgunj (Parsa) – The District Prison in Parsa has an approved position for one medical officer, but it has remained vacant for years.
Although the prison has a sanctioned post for a 7th or 8th level Medical Officer, currently only one Health Assistant has been providing healthcare services to the inmates.
The lack of a medical officer became a public concern after the death of Rahul Sah Turaha, an inmate from Birgunj Metropolitan-25, last Tuesday. He collapsed during exercise and was rushed to Narayani Hospital, where he died during treatment. This incident has renewed calls for regular health check-ups and the appointment of a medical officer as per the allocated position.
District Prison Chief Khimraj Bhusal stated that they have sent a request to the Prison Management Department to appoint a Medical Officer as per the official staffing plan.
The Birgunj prison currently houses 1,310 inmates, including both local and foreign prisoners. Among them are 5 female prisoners, 42 female detainees, and 2 dependent young girls. There are 199 foreign prisoners and detainees.
According to the Prison Act, 2079 BS, any prison housing more than 500 inmates must have a hospital with adequate beds as per the prescribed standard. Prisons with fewer inmates must have at least a health post.
