Located near the quake’s epicentre, the hospital’s operating theatre, research lab, guest house, staff quarters and other buildings were all damaged and require rebuilding or repair. However, with well over 1000 health facilities across Nepal either lost or damaged, medical staff at the hospital have continued to treat patients in four large tents donated by UNICEF and The Red Cross.
The image right shows the latest photoSentinel photo of the construction of the new orthopaedic surgery ward and you can see all photos of the building process here, where a new photo is uploaded every ten minutes.
The Leprosy Mission’s Anandaban Hospital is a flagship medical and research facility, specialising in restorative surgery, rehabilitation and vocational programs for leprosy-affected patients. In the month following the earthquake, 360 patients were treated by Anandaban hospital – including 244 for major and minor surgeries.
A history of extensive community involvement has enabled the charity to target the majority of its earthquake response to the most marginalised people, TLMN Country Director Shovakhar Kandel said.
“TLMN has served the most vulnerable people in Nepal for many years – in villages, through cooperatives, self-help groups and at our major medical facility, Anandaban Hospital. Since 25 April we have used our contacts and knowledge to ensure the needs of people affected by leprosy and other disabilities, female-headed households, the very poor and other marginalised groups are not overlooked at this time.”
Mr Kandel paid tribute to the people and organisations that have contributed to TLMN’s earthquake response.
“Our staff continue to put in an amazing effort, despite many having suffered damage to their own homes. Government officials, MPs, local authorities, community leaders and organisations such as CBM, IDEA Nepal and Samaritan’s Purse have been very supportive.
“And of course we are extremely thankful to the tens of thousands of Leprosy Mission supporters around the world who have donated over US$1.6m so far to fund TLMN’s emergency and recovery work. This global generosity is deeply appreciated by all those in need, and is another fine example of the concern and love for Nepal at this difficult time.”
TLMN has created a US$2.6m plan for its earthquake response over the next three years. Shelter support and long-term medical care will be key features, as will be rebuilding and renovation work to ensure Anandaban Hospital can continue to fulfil its role as a community hospital, as Nepal’s leading national leprosy hospital and a recognised referral centre during medical emergencies.
For more information on earthquake response activities of The Leprosy Mission in Nepal, read here.
Special thanks also to C.R. Kennedy for their generous sponsorship of photography equipment to the project.