KIOCH–Kathmandu Children’s Hospital Begins OPD Services Under Leadership of Dr. Bhagwan Koirala

30th December 2025, Kathmandu

In a transformative development for pediatric healthcare in Nepal, the Kathmandu Institute of Child Health has officially commenced its outpatient department services. Located in Chhapali, Budhanilkantha, this specialized institution is led by the eminent senior cardiologist Professor Dr Bhagwan Koirala.

KIOCH Begins OPD Services

The opening of the OPD marks the first operational phase of a project aimed at providing high quality, accessible, and sustainable medical care for the children of Nepal. This hospital is a significant addition to the national healthcare infrastructure, designed to bridge the gap between expensive private care and overcrowded public facilities by offering expert services at affordable rates.

THE VISIONARY LEADERSHIP OF DR BHAGWAN KOIRALA

Dr Bhagwan Koirala, a figure synonymous with medical integrity and institutional building in Nepal, has emphasized that KIOCH is an institutional dream rather than a personal project. During the service inauguration, he stated that investing in the health of children is essentially an investment in the future of the nation. His leadership ensures that the hospital adheres to the highest clinical and ethical standards. Dr Koirala has been instrumental in the success of various national medical institutions, and his involvement in KIOCH brings a level of trust and professional excellence that is expected to redefine pediatric care standards across the country.

PHASED OPERATIONAL PLAN AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

The hospital management has outlined a clear roadmap for the rollout of full scale services. While the OPD is currently functional, the hospital plans to transition into a full service 100 bed facility within the next two to three weeks. This will include emergency and critical care services operated from the first completed block of the complex. Interestingly, one of the main blocks was constructed with philanthropic support from businessman Min Bahadur Gurung of Bhat Bhateni Super Market. Over the next eight months, the hospital intends to complete two additional blocks, expanding its total capacity to 200 beds. The total investment for the complete infrastructure is estimated at approximately 2 billion rupees.

COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED PEDIATRIC SERVICES

KIOCH is designed to be a one stop center for all major pediatric medical needs. While general checkups have begun, the institution is preparing to launch several specialized departments that are currently underserviced in Nepal. These include:

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• Pediatric Cardiology for the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart diseases
• Advanced Critical Care and Intensive Care Units for newborns and children
• Complex surgical interventions tailored for pediatric patients
• Clinical research and academic programs to improve child health systems

The hospital vision extends beyond just treating patients; it aims to become a center for excellence in medical research, helping to build a more resilient healthcare system for the next generation.

ACCESSIBILITY AND AFFORDABILITY FOR THE PUBLIC

One of the core principles of KIOCH is ensuring that high end medical technology and expertise remain accessible to families from all socioeconomic backgrounds. The hospital is built on public land leased from the Government of Nepal, highlighting a successful model of public private institutional partnership. The management has pledged to keep service fees at a minimum, comparable to public hospitals. This ensures that even low income families can access specialist care that was previously only available in expensive private hospitals or abroad. This commitment to affordability is a cornerstone of Dr Koirala vision for the institution.

ADDRESSING NATIONAL GAPS IN CHILD HEALTHCARE

Nepal has long struggled with challenges related to child morbidity and a lack of specialized pediatric surgeons and cardiologists. Most healthcare centers are general hospitals that may not have the child specific equipment or environment necessary for effective treatment. KIOCH addresses this by providing an environment specifically designed for children, which can significantly improve recovery outcomes. By focusing solely on pediatric health, the hospital can concentrate its resources, training, and technology on the specific needs of children, from infants to adolescents, making it a critical referral center for the entire country.

COLLABORATIVE EFFORT AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

The establishment of Kathmandu Childrens Hospital is a testament to what can be achieved through collective effort. It combines government facilitation, private philanthropy, and professional medical leadership. As the hospital moves toward its 200 bed expansion, it is expected to serve thousands of children every year, reducing the burden on other central hospitals. The institution is also expected to play a major role in training the next generation of pediatricians and medical staff, ensuring that the legacy of high quality care continues well into the future.

CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS

In conclusion, the start of OPD services at KIOCH Kathmandu Childrens Hospital is a landmark event for the health sector in Nepal. Under the guidance of Dr Bhagwan Koirala, the institution is set to become a pillar of hope for families seeking the best medical care for their children. With full operations expected within weeks and a massive expansion on the horizon, the hospital is well positioned to become a center of excellence in Asia. Parents can now visit the Chhapali premises for consultations, knowing they are in the hands of some of the best medical professionals in the country.

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