By Carol Vernal | Executive Director
I am back in Nepal, working with our Nepali partners to help expand Kirtipur Hospital's capacity to help children and families in need. We're focusing right now on the development of a cafeteria as a social enterprise that can raise funds for the hospital, including the Plastic Surgery and Burn Department that serves our target population. Such endeavors in Nepal require determination, resourcefulness, creativity, and adaptability. Three kitchen workers have been given a room in the Kirtipur Guest House to compensate for their low wages. Ramesh, the father of one of the cleft palate patients, wanted to show his gratitude by volunteering. Our Nepal Director of the Corrective Surgery Program, Dr. Rai, decided that, since Ramesh came from from Western Nepal (17 hours away by bus), he would need a place to stay as well. Ramesh was given a room and $10/month, along with placement as the cafeteria cashier, for which he is very grateful. His daughter and wife were able to return to family in Western Nepal, while he stayed to take care of his son.
When a patient is admitted to a hospital, there must be a relative or close friend to provide personal care for the patient. In a recent case at Kirtipur Hospital, the wife was the only person who could accompany her husband, and she had to bring all three of her children in tow: a 7-month-old, a 2-year-old, and a 7-year-old. The entire family has been by the patient's bedside for over three months, taking its toll on the patience of parents and the attention spans of children. During my last trip (I left in June), I helped establish a play area for children, arranged with wall charts and toys geared toward education and fun. Out of necessity, that area was taken over by hospital beds. Now I have claimed a room where the children can play and young volunteers can interact with visiting toddlers and long-term burn patients.
There is so much more to be done, but always, the children are our inspiration to keep pushing for improved access to quality care. We have a fantastic team of volunteers and excellent logistical support from our Nepali partners. We are grateful to our donors who are helping us transform the lives of Nepali children struggling with congenital defects or disfiguring burn injuries.
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