The Ministry of Health has issued a strict three-day deadline: 24 senior officials must return to their original posts or face action. These officials had been working outside their official positions in temporary roles, sparking controversy and accusations of power misuse.
According to internal sources, over 300 staff members under the Health Ministry are currently serving on temporary assignments. A circular was sent to hospitals on Thursday to enforce their return. The Ministry has also warned that failure to comply could result in salary recovery and departmental punishment.
Among those being recalled are several high-profile doctors including Dr. Krishna Prasad Paudel, who has served at the Ministry for four years despite being officially assigned to Kanti Children’s Hospital. Dr. Saroj Sharma and Dr. Prakash Budhathoki—both from Bir Hospital—are also on the list.
This decision follows increasing criticism that many officials are staying in the Ministry well beyond their assigned roles, leading to staffing problems in hospitals. Former senior official Dr. Sushil Nath Pyakurel said this is part of a bigger issue: leadership frequently overlooks qualifications and seniority, favoring party loyalty and personal benefit instead.
Dr. Pyakurel emphasized that secretaries, who should oppose such mismanagement, remain silent observers. He stressed that real reform will only come when appointments are made competitively, based on ability—not politics.
In addition to Dr. Paudel, Sharma, and Budhathoki, other notable names on the recall list include Dr. Anup Bastola (from Sukraraj Hospital), Dr. Pushpraj Paudel, Dr. Santosh Manandhar, Bimala Napit, Hemraj Punmagar, and several others.
The Ministry stated clearly in its letter that this reshuffle is in line with the Civil Service Act and must be enforced within three days. Non-compliance could mean financial recovery and further action.
As internal pressure mounts, this move may be just the beginning of a larger shake-up within Nepal’s health governance.
