A Journey of Knowledge and Service in Nepal
Imagine a world where education and healthcare seamlessly blend, transcending borders and cultures. This vision came to life through a pioneering collaboration between Siddhasthali Rural Community Hospital in Hetauda, Nepal, and the University of Plymouth, UK. This collaboration marked a significant step in fostering international cooperation in healthcare education and rural community health in Nepal.
The Collaboration: A Blend of Cultures and Knowledge
Over four weeks, Siddhasthali Rural Community Hospital hosted five recent graduates and a group of lecturers from the University of Plymouth. This exchange wasn’t just a mere visit; it was a deep dive into the heart of Nepalese rural healthcare, enriched with cultural immersion and hands-on experiences.
Empowering Communities Through Education
The visiting team embarked on an ambitious project – training local school students and community members in basic first aid. The curriculum, tailored to local needs, covered essential topics like burns, snake bites, and handling fractures. The practical approach was designed to empower the community with skills to manage common emergencies effectively.
Redefining Emergency Service Protocols
A significant contribution of the visiting team was in the area of emergency services. They played a crucial role in redefining the Siddhasthali Rural Community Hospital’s Emergency Service Protocol. With their fresh perspective and knowledge of updated, evidence-based practices, they provided invaluable feedback and suggestions for improvement. Their insights are now being incorporated into the existing protocols, enhancing the quality and efficiency of emergency services at Siddhasthali Rural Community Hospital.
Community Health Screening in Sindhuli
The visiting team extended their impact to Dudhauli Rural Municipality in Sindhuli, where they conducted health screenings for community members. These screenings included checks for anaemia, pulmonary function tests, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. This initiative, facilitated by the hospital’s networks, significantly contributed to the health assessment and awareness in the community.
Spreading Knowledge Across Districts
The journey of the visiting team was not confined to Hetauda. They travelled to various locations, including Sindhuli, Makwanpur, Kathmandu, and Chitwan districts, spreading knowledge and skills. Each place offered unique learning and teaching opportunities, with rural community members, local healthcare professionals and a fire and rescue service. Operating across such a diverse range of environments further enriched the experience of both the visitors and the local communities.
Beyond Training: Active Participation in Healthcare Services
In Kathmandu, the team joined hands with the Nepal Ambulance Service (NAS), participating in and contributing to the vital ambulance services in the city, as well as running a day of shared simulation training exercises. These experiences provided real-world insights into the challenges and workings of emergency healthcare services in Nepal.
Understanding Local Needs: The Focus Group Interview
The visiting team conducted a need assessment focus group interview at the hospital. Targeting both male and female beneficiaries, the interview aimed to understand their specific health needs. This activity highlighted the importance of listening to and understanding the community’s voice in healthcare planning and services.
A Step Towards Global Healthcare Synergy
The collaboration between Siddhasthali Rural Community Hospital and the University of Plymouth is reshaping the landscape of global healthcare, one community at a time. It’s a testament to the power of shared knowledge and mutual learning in advancing global health. As the participants return to their respective countries, they carry with them memories and valuable experiences that will continue to shape their professional and personal lives. This initiative will hopefully lay a strong foundation for future partnerships, promising continued growth and development in the field of rural healthcare education, training and research.
Read more about the collaboration: www.siddhasthalihospital.org/srch-and-uop-sign-strategic-partnership-agreement/