.: Kushudebu Public Health Mission Nepal : Operation Review and Strategic Plan 2009/10 :.

The founding sponsors of KPHMN are pleased to provide an update on progress made over the past 12 months and also detail the strategic plan for the forthcoming year.

During the past 12 months significant developments have been made in:

Purchases of major items of medical equipment
Improvements to buildings
Introduction of additional skilled medical staff

Formal written Government approval to occupy and provide a medical service from the facility has also been secured.

Significant foreign donor contributions have enabled these acquisitions and initiatives to be realized during the year.

We wish to thank the many people who have contributed significant monies for the purchase of the items of equipment and particular appreciation to World Expeditions and the participants who contributed their time and money undertaking two "Community Projects" conducted during the year.

We look forward to meeting and working with our World Expeditions Community Project visitors in April 2009.

The following details are provided:

Medical Equipment
During the year the following significant items of equipment were purchased:

New Laboratory equipment
This suite of equipment has enabled a significant upgrade to the provision of medical service to the facility, particularly the efficient processing of:

the testing of blood
gastronomical assessment
repertory assessment
urine and stool analysis
various other forms of analysis

X-Ray Equipment A new X-Ray Machine and associated developing equipment was purchased.

In total 750 kg of items was shipped first by air to Paphlu from Kathmandu and then carried by 18 porters to the Medical Centre at Junbesi for assembly and commissioning.

The facility comprises a complete suite of X-Ray equipment and a developing room that enables the efficient processing of slides.

Oxygen Concentrator (Respirator)

A new respirator and associated equipment was purchased.

ECG Machine

A new ECG machine has helped to provide a much needed assessment to the efficient assessment of heart related issues.

Dressing Table and equipment A new room dedicated for dressings and minor trauma treatment was created and a new dressing table and enhanced suite of instruments was purchased.

Wheelchair/ Stretcher

A new wheelchair and stretcher were also purchased. These items previously were not available.

Facility Upgrade

Two "Community Project" trekking groups contributed significantly to the upgrade of the Centre during 2008.

These trips organized by World Expeditions helped to complete various projects including:

Building a new awning, verandah, stone paving and painting around the main two buildings.

Upgrading of the toilet block.

Installation of a new solar hot water system.

Replacing several dilapidated windows.

General grounds clearing.

Health Care Services and Staffing

We are very fortunate to have secured the services of these capable and experienced medical professionals. We conducted various surveys of patients from the various precincts and they all were very satisfied with the professionalism and quality of service provided.

Medical team of Kushudebu Medical Center

Doctor Satish Chandra Devkota started in June 2007 and completed his contract in October 2008. We are very grateful for his contribution during the term of his contract. His devotion and commitment to expanding the facility in conjunction with the Committee were significant.

Advertisements for a replacement Doctor have been placed in Kathmandu newspapers and in all major hospitals. However the appointment has not been finalized. In the interim competent services are being provided by the existing staff.

Strategic Plan for the year ahead - 2009.

Medical Staff

Individual Sponsors have been secured to provide for the training then employment of local youth for Family Planning and Lab Technician positions. We are still seeking sponsors for an X-Ray Operator (Radiologist) and an additional nurse.

Medical team of Kushudebu Medical Center

The Family Planning candidate has been chosen and will commence a 3 month training program shortly. We anticipate receiving over 100 applications for the Lab Technician, Staff Nurse and Radiologist positions. Candidates once selected, will undergo 3 years of training in Kathmandu, which includes two years of practical experience. Upon graduation they will then be contracted to KPHMN for a 4 year term of service.

This program is designed to benefit local youth who would otherwise not have an opportunity to obtain an advanced education and in turn benefits the local region by retaining qualified (local) staff who are able to provide much needed services and skills in their home region.

Facilities

Associated with the yearly inspection we have purchased a partly completed house adjacent to the medical facility.

Completion of the premises will provide accommodation currently not available to medical staff at the Centre. The facility currently only operates during limited daylight hours due to the need for staff to live remotely.

Also since inception of KPHMN accommodation costs have been an integral part of the contract for Doctors and other staff. This has limited the scope for attracting interested Doctors to the facility as relocating their families was not possible. The plan is to provide accommodation suitable for a Doctor and his or her family during the contracted period.

Provision of a dedicated accommodation quarters will enable the staff to be available 24 hours per day in the event of emergency cases and also will provide for the upgrade of the centre to accommodate a patient in-house facility.

A patient ward will be constructed in the previous "Kitchen" area of the main facility, designed to accommodate 12 beds in a formal ward configuration. This will be a major upgrade to the nature of the facility and services to be provided.

The building plan and pictures for the new staff premises is provided below.

Donations would greatly be appreciated to help enable this valuable project to be completed.