Happy New Year 2071

What?  Happy New Year 2071?

Yes, here in Nepal, today, April 14, 2014, is actually  Baishakh 1, 2071, which is New Year's Day!

Nepal observes the Bikram Sambat lunisolar Hindu calendar.  To read more about it,

check out Wikipedia's information http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepali_calendar.

That page also has links to other information pages about this calendar.

Here in Banepa, it is a quiet and peaceful day with people spending time relaxing, eating, 

and enjoying time with family and friends.

Some towns, such as nearby Bhaktapur, have celebrations.  

Here's a picture from bhaktapur.com:

Here at Scheer Memorial Hospital, the office workers have a day off,

but not the OR staff who keep busy every day of the year.  THANKS folks!

Right now there is a medical volunteer team here from Sydney Adventist Hospital 

and Open Heart International performing burn contracture reconstruction surgeries.
(Stay tuned for more information about this in upcoming posts.)

On behalf of their patients, we give them a big thanks for taking their vacation time to come.

Other workers working today include the canteen staff--THANKS,

 the laundry staff--THANKS,

 and of course, the nurses--THANKS!

Other departments open today and every day 24/7, in every hospital,
 are the ER, always busy--THANKS,

the reception--THANKS,

and the cashier--THANKS, and pharmacy (last window)--THANKS.

The guards are always working too--THANKS,

and the ambulance drivers are always on call and ready to go at any moment--THANKS.

We also want to thank all our loyal supporters and wish them, and in fact everyone,
all the best during this new year of 2071 and/or 2014!

Take care and God bless!

Dr. Profiles--Dr. Prameed and Dr. Lavona Pilli

Dr. Prameed Pilli, one of our orthopedic surgeons, and his wife Dr. Lavona Pilli, one of our obstetrician/gynecologists, are here on their second term of service, the first being during the 2000s.  Dr. Prameed, from India, and Dr. Lavona, from Sri Lanka, first met as children when Dr. Lavona’s father accepted a job in India and the family moved to the same town as Dr. Prameed’s family. 

Both attended Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, Udupi District Kamataka, India. This medical school was the first private sector medical college in India.  After graduating from KMC, the Pillis worked in India for one year as general physicians before moving to Sri Lanka where they worked as general physicians for six years. 

Their next move brought them to Nepal for Dr. Prameed’s residency at Kathmandu University.  He trained at Baidya and Banskota Hospital (B & B Hospital, which specializes in every type of complex trauma) in Patan, Kathmandu, and also the Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children (HRDC, whose services specialize in treating underprivileged physically challenged children) in Banepa.  Upon completion of his residency, Dr. Prameed began his career at Scheer Memorial Hospital as an orthopedic surgeon.

Orthopedic surgeons treat musculoskeletal systems, which are the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons.  Both chronic pain (such as arthritis and lower back pain) and acute pain and injuries (such as broken bones, pulled muscles, torn ligaments and ruptured disks) are treated by orthopedic surgeons.  While surgery is an important part of the orthopedic department, other treatment methods such as rehabilitation and medical management of a condition may be employed as well as referrals to the physiotherapy department.

While Dr. Prameed was in residency, Dr. Lavona began working here at Scheer Memorial Hospital as a Senior Medical Officer in the OB/GYN department.  After seven years in Nepal, the Pillis moved to Argentina for Dr. Lavona’s residency in obstetrics and gynecology at River Plate Sanitarium and Hospital, which is affiliated with River Plate Adventist University in Libertador San Martin, Entre Rios, Argentina.

Obstetricians and gynecologists provide medical and surgical care to women.  The obstetrics part of the specialty involves the medical care of women before and during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as performing cesarean sections when necessary.  Gynecology duties include diagnosing and treating female reproductive disorders such as infections and endometriosis as well as female cancers.  OB/GYNs encourage patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle and provide information about exercise, nutrition and family planning.  They work very long hours since babies don’t stick to schedules! 

Last year the Pillis returned to Nepal to continue serving the people of Banepa and the surrounding areas who are in need of their medical attentions.

Their two sons, Jonathan and Timothy, are currently studying in the United States of America.

  

Doctor Profiles--Dr. Ramon Ruiz Diaz

Dr. Ramon Ruiz Diaz, our anesthesiologist, is here on his second term of service, the first being in the 1990s.  Born in Paraguay, he is an anesthesiologist with a sub-specialty in pediatric anesthesia who worked in Mexico (private practice, instructor of pediatric anesthesiology for the government of Nuevo Leon and head teacher in charge of senior anesthesia residents and interns, and vice president of the board and supervisor of the emergency room of Galeana General Hospital, Galeana, Nuevo Leon, Mexico) and the Dutch island of Curacao (head of anesthesiology at Antillean Adventist Hospital).   

Dr. Ruiz Diaz received his medical degree from Montemorelos University School of Medicine, Montemorelos, Mexico, where he was the senior class president of the entire university.  His anesthesiology residency, where he was a senior resident team leader, was at the Hospital of the University of Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico (which has 22 operating rooms and is a liver, lung, kidney, and pancreas transplant center).  His pediatric anesthesiology residency was at the Children’s Hospital, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Dr. Ramon has participated in search and rescue teams in Mexico and also served on an orthopedic surgical team with Red Cross Aruba in Haiti after the earthquake in 2010.  He and two of his team members received a decoration for their outstanding service.

Being interviewed for the news before traveling to Haiti.

Back home.

Receiving the decoration from Emily de Jongh-Elhage, 

who was the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles at the time.

Being interviewed on the news.

Did you know that anesthesiologists are very highly specialized physicians who have many years of extensive and specialized training--and that there is only one anesthesiologist per 184,000 Nepalese?  During their work day, they may encounter very complicated and difficult medical and surgical situations where life saving skills and decision-making capabilities are a must.

Anesthesiologists are also perioperative physicians, which means they provide medical care to patients before, during, and after surgery.  Among other things, preoperative medical evaluations must be taken before surgery, as well as a consultation and planning of the surgery with the surgical team.  A plan for the anesthesia must be tailored to each individual patient, airway management must be implemented, there must be intraoperative life support and diagnostic evaluations, pain control, and critical postoperative life support.  Medical management of preexisting medical conditions must be controlled as well as any care and management of medical or surgical complications and/or intensive care management as situations warrant.  Other essential and critical skills required of anesthesiologists include the management, direction of and performance of cardiac and pulmonary resuscitation and advanced life support as well as stabilization and preparation of patients for emergency surgery.

                                                He is very happy to be here serving in Nepal.   

 With him is his wife Kathy, who is the librarian at Esa Memorial School

and also doing some secretarial work.

Winter 2013/2014 News, Part 1--"Hong Kong Adventist Hospital ENT Team"

To start this blog post, we have a beautiful picture for you to enjoy of the hospital taken this winter by Mr. Rohit Taujale.  Thank you so much!  Look at the crisp blue sky we had that day here in Nepal!

During the winter here in Nepal, when we have these crisp blue skies, you can see the majestic Himalayas!  Here is the view you will have when you drive to Kathmandu from Banepa.

These views can make you forget how cold you are--and how happy you are to be in Nepal!

And now to a large problem--Ear Trouble!  In developing countries, ear trouble can be a difficult thing and more common that you may realize.  Here in Nepal, where one can only find approximately one ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) surgeon for every 600,000 people and approximately one audiologist per 6,000,000 people, it can be difficult for those suffering from ear problems to get the help they need.  Add this to the fact that moderate to severe hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities here and you can begin to see the need for help.

This is why we are so happy and blessed to have Hong Kong Adventist Hospital's ENT team come to our hospital periodically.  The team members come during their vacation time and finance their own trip.  If you are interested in reading about their ENT services, please check out their website:  http://www.hkah.org.hk/new/eng/specialist_center_hc.php

This year they were able to perform 66 surgeries during their time here.  What a world of difference they made to those 66 people!  Here is Dr. Buddy Wong, team leader, performing a surgery.

  

One of the types of surgeries they performed was cochlear implant surgery.  This picture from The Journal of the American Medical Association explains how this works.

You can imagine how the quality of life for the patients has improved after their surgeries.  

Again, we want to express thanks to Hong Kong Adventist Hospital's ENT team.

THANKS!

Have a nice day and enjoy your upcoming Spring!

Stay tuned for more news!

Fall 2013 News, Part 4--"Anesthesia Machine!"

SMILE!

Do you know the history of anesthesia?

No, it's not like in the cartoon!  However, it's very interesting!  

If you'd like to find out more about it, check out Wikipedia's page here.

Scheer Memorial Hospital is proud of its Anesthesia Department.  Our Dr. Ramon Ruiz Diaz, anesthesiologist and pediatric anesthesiologist, comes to us from Paraguay and has many years of experience, including teaching anesthesia and pediatric anesthesia.  

His chief assistant, Mr. Laxman Thapa, also has many years of experience.  

For a small hospital, we are fully able to provide the best anesthesia attention available.

In this picture, Dr. Ramon has finished giving anesthesia to a young patient.

Here is Mr. Laxman Thapa giving his best as always,

and Dr. Ramon and Mr. Laxman with a visiting engineer from Japan.

Recently, we were very blessed with a new addition to our anesthesia family!

It wasn't a "Who" but a "What!"

What was it?  A new anesthesia machine!

Isn't "she" beautiful?!

Dr. Christa Baczko, a visiting German anesthesiologist who serves here with love when she comes once a year, seen above with Mr. Laxman Thapa, worked with Rotary Internationl to obtain the donation of this lovely anesthesia machine.  We want to give a big thank you to Dr. Baczko and Rotary International for this much appreciated gift!

The patients of Kavre district thank you too!

We had an Anesthesia Machine Handover Program on November 8, 2013.

Our chief guests were Rotary International District Governor Mr. Dilendra Raj Shrestha, the president of the Rotary Club Kathmandu Mid-Town Mr. Saroj Shrestha, Rotary Club Germany's Mr. Martin Bialluch, and the president of the Rotary Club of Kavre Mr. Raghunath Ghimire.

Again, we thank them for their generosity, time and efforts!

Please enjoy these pictures of the event.

As you can see, it was a nice day.  However, the nicest thing was our generous and lovely gift!

BIG BLESSING AND BIG SMILE!

Bye and blessings to you...and see you next time!

Fall 2013 News, Part 3--"Vrouwen voor Vrouwen"

Vrouwen voor Vrouwen.  What is that?  Well, that's Dutch for Women for Women.  For those of you who follow our news, you will already know that this is an organization from Holland which sends teams of OB/GYNs to Nepal  for much needed female surgeries and one of these teams came to our hospital this Fall.  Have you seen their website?  If you haven't, and you'd like to, head on over:  http://www.vrouwenvoorvrouwen.nl/?language=UK

Every team member from Vrouwen voor Vrouwen comes completely via their own funds and also brings donations for the surgeries.  As patients finally get relief from uterine prolapse, some of whom have suffered in silence for many years, they certainly feel blessed to have these dedicated teams come and do what they can to help and to relieve their suffering.  Here is a picture of Dr. Philomeen Weyenborg (OB/GYN) and Dr. Jan den Boon (Uro-Gynecologist) from Vrouwen voor Vrouwen.  Missing from the picture is Dr. Loes.  We're so thankful that the three of them used their vacation time to help the ladies of Nepal.  We're also very thankful to the Vrouwen voor Vrouwen Organization for its time and efforts and we also give a very big THANKS to their sponsors who support the program financially.

Here is Yda de Boer, gynecologist nurse, who accompanied the doctors, with our own nurses.  

They really enjoyed working together and gave great care to their patients.

Please enjoy the following pictures of their time here.

THANK  YOU!

Stay tuned for Fall News, Part 3, coming soon!

Take care and God bless!

Fall 2013 News, Part 2--"A Dentist & Gynecologists"

Fall 2013 was a busy time at Scheer Memorial Hospital.  If you missed the Fall Part 1 post, click here to see pictures of Nepal in the Fall.  This post will now inform you about what was going on around here, besides the usual!

We were so happy to welcome German volunteer Dr. Cindy Obermeyer, D.D.S.  She was a real asset to our team.  Here she is (center) with our dental assistant Mr. Darshananth Koirala (left) and our dentist
Dr. Nishamma Yakthumba, D.D.S. (right), 

 

...and giving dental advice and service.

 

Her presence and help to our patients was a huge plus as Nepal is not immune to oral health problems.  According to the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, 58% of children and 69% of adults in Nepal are suffering from bacterial tooth decay.  Therefore we heartily thank you for coming Dr. Julia and please don't be a stranger!

As you know from previous posts, Nepal is also not immune to the debilitating condition of uterine prolapse.  Some estimates give the number of approximately 600,000 women who suffer with this right here in Nepal.  (This could be a low estimate as not every women with uterine prolapse discusses their situation and discomfort.)  It's a very delicate situation that is often suffered in silence.  With the help and dedication of the teams who come to Nepal to correct this problem and help teach ways to avoid it altogether, we are glad to be a part of the continuing solution.  This Fall, a gynecological team from Colorado's Centura Global Health Initiatives (http://www.centuraglobalhealth.org/default.cfm?id=1) came to us again.  (We're proud to announce that we are one of the places they regularly visit.)  The lead doctors this visit were Dr. Gretchen Bruno, OB/GYN, Dr. Charles Giarratana, OB/GYN, and Dr. Oksana Bantley, Anesthesiologist.  We thank them for coming and giving of their time and efforts.  Thirty ladies received life changing surgeries this trip.  (Twenty were funded by donors from Colorado and ten by donors from Australia.  A big Thank You goes out to the donors!)  Please enjoy the following photographs of their time here.

Global Health Initiatives Team, you will never really know the full impact of your visit.  The smiles on the faces of your patients are just a start.  Again, we thank you and already look forward to your next visit!

Please stay tuned for Fall 2013 News, Part 3, coming soon!
Take care and may God bless all who read this blog!