Indeed, with quality levels similar to European institutions, it functions as a University Hospital, producing qualified medical staff, and is one of the fastest-growing organisations in the country.
Community outreach centres perform an important part of Dhulikhel hospital’s work. Here, the hospital connects with local people through pre-existing structures such as mothers’ groups. It also uses micro-finance and micro-insurance arrangements to help local people provide for themselves. Training in health, family planning and hygiene is offered as well.
Dr Shrestha has strong links to Austria where he completed his medical training at the University of Vienna and spent time training as a surgeon in Feldkirch. He is also married to a Carinthian. Soroptimists from Club Windischgarsten-Kremstal heard about the hospital’s activities and decided to sponsor some micro-finance projects.
Club members have since visited Dhulikhel and were also able to stop off for a meeting with the women of the SI Club Kathmandu, which was considered a particular highlight of their journey.