The SIRC opened in April 2002. With the help and support of many professionals
from within the country and outside, it has now developed all its departments
-- physiotherapy, occupational therapy, medical, nursing, outreach,
social work, administration and planning -- to the extent it is now
looking to develop as a National Centre. It currently caters for 30
patients, a number which has doubled since its inception.
Spinal injury patient numbers are projected to rise sharply in the
coming years because more cases are treatable due to heightened knowledge
and more cases are being identified as the highway network develops,
as well as referrals from orthopedic departments in hospitals.
For all these reasons it was necessary to move from inadequate rented
premises to a dedicated site capable of housing up to 100 patients,
in the longer term.
A new site, 20 kilometres east of Kathmandu, was purchased with the
help of international donations earlier this year. The development of
this facility into the National Spinal Injury Centre, needs funding
as does support of the existing Centre whilst the construction of the
new centre progresses. The goal is to develop the national centre to
the highest of international standards whilst remaining close to Nepali
needs and realities. Besides the obvious requirements of beds, therapy
and medical equipment, there is transport for home visits, a dormitory
for family carers and so on. Also needed is an expanded area to provide
for comprehensive rehabilitation including a proper mobility area, recreational
activities, and splinting workshop.
This is a $1million project, a massive sum for the SIRC which has worked
thus far without support of any kind from the Government of Nepal. In
terms of finance, the SIRC was funded with personal contributions in
2002 and has continued with support from various sources including critical
infusion from various national and international supporters over the
last three years.
