Koshi Provincial Hospital, Biratnagar – A Landmark of Public Healthcare in Nepal
Introduction
Koshi Provincial Hospital, located in Biratnagar-10, Morang District, is one of Nepal’s oldest and most prestigious public hospitals. Established in 1947 BS (1890–1891 AD) during the rule of Prime Minister Bir Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana, the hospital began as “P. Bir Hospital” in Rangeli. It was later relocated to Biratnagar in 1971 BS (1914–1915 AD) to meet growing demand.
Today, Koshi Provincial Hospital operates with a capacity of 350 beds and serves as a major referral center for Koshi Province, providing essential and specialized healthcare services to the public.
Historical Evolution
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1890–91 AD (1947 BS): Founded as “P. Bir Hospital” in Rangeli.
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1914–15 AD (1971 BS): Relocated to Biratnagar, aligning with the district’s growing administrative and demographic needs.
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Modern Era: Transformed into Koshi Provincial Hospital, under the jurisdiction of Koshi Province, following Nepal’s shift to federal governance.
This rich history makes the hospital a cornerstone of healthcare in eastern Nepal.
Location
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Address: Rangeli Road, Biratnagar-10, Morang District, Koshi Province, Nepal
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Phone: +977-21-570103
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Email: info@koshihospital.gov.np
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Website: www.koshihospital.gov.np
Departments and Medical Services
Koshi Provincial Hospital offers comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services across a broad spectrum of specialties.
🔹 Outpatient Departments (OPD)
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General Medicine
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Pediatrics
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General Surgery
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Orthopedics
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Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Dermatology
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ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat)
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Dental Services
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Ophthalmology
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Psychiatry
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Family Planning and Reproductive Health
🔹 Inpatient Services
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350-bed facility
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Wards for:
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Internal medicine
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Pediatric care
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Surgical procedures
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Maternity and obstetrics
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Orthopedic rehabilitation
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24/7 Emergency Care
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Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
🔹 Diagnostic and Support Services
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Radiology: X-ray, ultrasound
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Clinical Laboratories: Pathology, microbiology, hematology
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Pharmacy: In-house dispensary for prescription fulfillment
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Postmortem Services: For medico-legal investigations
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Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Center
Technology & Infrastructure
Koshi Provincial Hospital is undergoing upgrades to keep pace with modern medical advancements:
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Electronic Health Records (EHR) being introduced
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Expansion of telemedicine services for remote care
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Renovation of old wings and new construction projects underway
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Japanese Government aid (2023): Donated advanced eye care equipment to boost ophthalmology services
Healthcare Workforce
The hospital is staffed by a wide range of professionals:
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Specialist doctors (gynecologists, surgeons, pediatricians, etc.)
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General physicians
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Nurses and midwives
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Lab and radiology technicians
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Pharmacists and administrative staff
Recruitment continues for super-specialists and public health experts to enhance capacity.
Public Health and Community Outreach
National Programs Implemented:
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DOTS Program: For tuberculosis treatment
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HIV/ARV Center: Counseling and ART provision
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Routine Immunization Clinics
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Nutrition Support Program
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Family Planning Clinics
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Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services
Koshi Provincial Hospital serves as a central hub for these programs, partnering with Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population and international NGOs.
Vision and Mission
Mission:
To deliver high-quality, ethical, and affordable healthcare while ensuring accessibility for all communities, particularly the underserved.
Vision:
To become a center of excellence in clinical care, public health, and medical training within Koshi Province and beyond.
Future Expansion Plans
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Increasing bed capacity beyond 500
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Upgrading to multi-specialty referral status
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Establishing a Medical College affiliation
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Creating a cancer treatment center within the hospital
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Expanding mental health services
Trivia
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Koshi Hospital is one of Nepal’s top referral hospitals outside of Kathmandu.
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It served as a COVID-19 treatment center during the pandemic.
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Its long history connects modern healthcare with the legacy of the Rana era’s public works.