In a candid interview on TV Today HD, Mr. Ramjee Kumar Shrestha, CEO of Bhaktapur International Hospital (BIH), opened up about the pressing challenges faced by private hospitals in Nepal and shed light on how BIH is navigating a complex healthcare landscape with vision, responsibility, and social commitment.
A Hospital Born During Crisis
Bhaktapur International Hospital was established during one of the most turbulent periods in modern history — the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting a medical facility at a time when the country was grappling with severe shortages of oxygen, essential medicines, and lack of protective equipment was no small feat. As Mr. Shrestha shared, “It wasn’t just about building infrastructure — it was about responding to an emergency. We learned real-time hospital management during a public health crisis.”
Leadership Is Collective, Not Singular
Mr. Shrestha emphasized that the CEO is not the hospital. “A hospital is a living system, and it takes a cohesive team — doctors, nurses, administrators, technical experts, and support staff — to run it efficiently,” he said. “The CEO sets the direction, fosters the culture, and enables the team to perform — but the real work is done by everyone together.”
Struggles with Policy, Law, and Government Support
When asked about the government’s role in supporting healthcare, Mr. Shrestha did not hold back.
“There is a lack of clear laws, no streamlined healthcare policies, and almost zero budget allocation to encourage or support private hospitals. The legal framework is confusing, outdated, and often inconsistent.”
He explained that while the government often labels private hospitals as expensive, they fail to recognize that private health institutions are not typical profit-seeking businesses, but rather social enterprises trying to bridge the health accessibility gap in Nepal.
Bhaktapur International Hospital: A Social Mission with Medical Excellence
Bhaktapur International Hospital sees itself as a social health organization, not just a business. Its mission is grounded in community well-being:
- Regular free health camps in rural and urban districts
- Gynecology awareness sessions for women’s health
- Child nutrition camps and vaccination drives
- Free dental checkups in public schools
- Blood donation and kidney screening programs
“We look at the social impact of our work, not just balance sheets,” Mr. Shrestha noted.
Offering Government Prices with Better Service
Despite running 24/7 operations, BIH has committed to charging rates comparable to public hospitals while offering state-of-the-art facilities and expert care. “The quality of service in government hospitals might be affordable, but the waiting times, bureaucracy, and nepotism make it inaccessible for many,” he said.
“Come to Bhaktapur International Hospital and you will receive advanced diagnostics, modern treatment, and empathetic care — all at fair, government-comparable rates.”
Innovation in Health Despite Systemic Gaps
Even without robust government backing, BIH is pushing boundaries:
- Introduced advanced laparoscopic surgery units
- Brought in expert consultants from top national medical institutes
- Installed new pulmonary diagnostics to address pollution-related respiratory illnesses
“Healthcare needs structured laws and policies. Without it, you’re just reacting — not building,” he added. “But even in this fragmented system, we’ve built something meaningful, and we’ll keep doing better.”
Closing Thoughts
Mr. Shrestha’s interview is a powerful reminder that private healthcare in Nepal is not the enemy of public interest, but rather an essential partner in building a healthier society. With more vision, policy reforms, and public-private collaboration, institutions like Bhaktapur International Hospital can become pillars of a resilient national health system.
📍 Location: Kaushaltar, Bhaktapur
📞 Contact: 01-6637271 / 01-6637171
🌐 Website: www.bihospital.org
📺 Watch the Full Interview:
