May 27, Kailali – The Lamkichuha Provincial Hospital in Kailali was inaugurated amid ongoing disputes with the local government. Sudurpashchim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah officially opened the hospital this morning amidst his conflict with Mayor Sushila Shahi. Due to the persistent disagreement, heavy security was deployed at the hospital and surrounding roads since early morning to maintain order during the inauguration.
The hospital, which will operate with 15 beds, has yet to reach an operational agreement between the provincial government and the municipality. In April, the Ministry of Social Development assigned three staff members including Medical Superintendent Dr. Kamlesh Prasad Yadav to work at the hospital. However, Mayor Shahi refused to allow the staff to join, arguing that the hospital had not yet been transferred to the provincial government, escalating the dispute further. This conflict led to a lockdown of the hospital on April 13, heightening tensions in the Lamki area.
Local residents attribute the core issue to the internal power struggle between Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, who represents the Lamki region, and Mayor Sushila Shahi. Supporters of Mayor Shahi were also expected to protest or obstruct the hospital activities, prompting enhanced security measures from early morning. Mayor Sushila Shahi is currently abroad.
