SC issues interim order against decision to remove Bir director Basnet

KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court has reversed the Ministry of Health and Population’s decision to dismiss Dr. Santosh Poudel from his role as Director of Bir Hospital.

A division of Justices Sushma Lata Mathema and Til Prasad Shrestha issued an interim order to the ministry not to implement its decision.

The ministry had relieved Dr Poudel of his duties at Bir Hospital and instructed him to report to the ministry on December 1. Before the ministry took the decision, a complaint was filed against him at the National Vigilance Center (NVC). After reviewing the complaint, the NVC recommended that the ministry take action against him, citing a violation of Section 92 (A) of the Health Services Act, 1996.

Dr. Poudel contested the ministry’s decision in the Supreme Court. He had been appointed to the position in March 2022 for a two-year term.