Nepal Trust - David Hurman
Wed, Mar 20th 2019 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
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Dr David Hurman gave us a well illustrated talk on the work of the trust.
He started by showing a map of Nepal and explaining where the trust was working and its position in relation to Kathmandu.
He gave a brief description of his medical experience and how he had joined the trust.
In 2018 the trust celebrated it 25th anniversary. The health situation in Nepal is very basic as there is no National Health Service. There are private health clinics but most people cannot afford the fees.
One of the first tasks the trust set itself was to build clinics in various appropriate locations. This was done by recruiting volunteers from all over the world who then work with local villagers to build and run these clinics. They try to build and staff one a year. There are now about 16 clinics.
At one particular clinic they have built a hospital on the back. Each year they have expanded it so that they can now treat cancer patients by both providing scans and cobalt radio treatment. The hospital now has three floors and has a staff of 200.
A big problem in Nepal is that most of the people do not have a basic understanding of personal health care. There is plenty of water available but it is not used for washing hands and body. In addition drinking water is often not boiled. This causes a lot of problems.
To counteract this situation it was decided to go into schools and teach the children about hygiene.
This is called The Little Doctors Scheme. Children aged 13 to 14 come into school for two Saturdays a month for extra lessons on Hygiene and first aid given by trained nurses and teachers. They are given a basic first aid kit to take away with them. The children are very enthusiastic and some have stated that they would like to become real doctors one day.
These courses seem to having an effect on the parents as health in some villages seems to be improving.
David went on to give details of other projects the Trust was involved in,
Micro Hydro Electric stations are being built in several villages and also solar power units are being installed. The trust have built several schools and birthing centres.
After his talk the speaker answered several questions including how Rotary was helping the Trust.
Jim West gave the club’s vote of thanks and asked members to show their appreciation in the usual way.
A most interesting talk which was enjoyed by all.
He started by showing a map of Nepal and explaining where the trust was working and its position in relation to Kathmandu.
He gave a brief description of his medical experience and how he had joined the trust.
In 2018 the trust celebrated it 25th anniversary. The health situation in Nepal is very basic as there is no National Health Service. There are private health clinics but most people cannot afford the fees.
One of the first tasks the trust set itself was to build clinics in various appropriate locations. This was done by recruiting volunteers from all over the world who then work with local villagers to build and run these clinics. They try to build and staff one a year. There are now about 16 clinics.
At one particular clinic they have built a hospital on the back. Each year they have expanded it so that they can now treat cancer patients by both providing scans and cobalt radio treatment. The hospital now has three floors and has a staff of 200.
A big problem in Nepal is that most of the people do not have a basic understanding of personal health care. There is plenty of water available but it is not used for washing hands and body. In addition drinking water is often not boiled. This causes a lot of problems.
To counteract this situation it was decided to go into schools and teach the children about hygiene.
This is called The Little Doctors Scheme. Children aged 13 to 14 come into school for two Saturdays a month for extra lessons on Hygiene and first aid given by trained nurses and teachers. They are given a basic first aid kit to take away with them. The children are very enthusiastic and some have stated that they would like to become real doctors one day.
These courses seem to having an effect on the parents as health in some villages seems to be improving.
David went on to give details of other projects the Trust was involved in,
Micro Hydro Electric stations are being built in several villages and also solar power units are being installed. The trust have built several schools and birthing centres.
After his talk the speaker answered several questions including how Rotary was helping the Trust.
Jim West gave the club’s vote of thanks and asked members to show their appreciation in the usual way.
A most interesting talk which was enjoyed by all.
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