Kathmandu: In the wake of experts’ warning of potential quake disaster in Nepal, the government has begun a process to monitor schools and hospital buildings in the country.

According to Gyan Raj Panday, undersecretary at Prime Minister’s Office, the PMO has directed the concerned ministries and authorities to monitor the schools and hospitals to check if they are capable of withstanding potential hazards.

A meeting under Chief Secretary Madhav Prasad Ghimire three month ago had formed a panel to study private schools and hospital buildings and prepare a report suggesting measures to help them survive possible disasters. The taskforce recently submitted its report.

“After the approval by the minister, it has been sent to concerned ministries for immediate implementation,” said Panday.

As per the report, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works has to monitor the schools and hospital buildings annually and prepare a report on their condition.

Similarly, from this fiscal year, new schools and hospitals have to submit the design map approved by the Department Urban Development and Building Construction stating that the buildings are fit.

As for old schools and hospitals, they have to submit the design map at the time of upgrading.

Likewise, the report has recommended legal provisions for schools registration renewal in every five years. So far, there is no provision to renew registration of schools.

Similarly, the report has also sought to amend renewal of licence of private hospitals and nursing homes in five years. Now such hospitals and nursing homes are renewing their licences in every 10 years.

source: The Himalayan Times