Project Description
Project ID
06HN001
Project Type
Funded Project - Normal Project
Project Title
Educational Program of Hospice Nepal
Project Summary
We are aware that few Hospice units will not make a difference as the number of patients requiring such service is huge. There is, however, a reluctance to refer patients to hospice among the doctors in general possibly as a result of lack of concept of palliative care. Even if referral were to increase the number of Hospice unit will not be able to cope with the numbers. So ultimately most patients requiring such care will be cared by doctors in the community but with little or no training. To address this issue, we have started two days course in Palliative care from last year which has been immensely popular among doctors and nurses. A handbook has been also published (attached). We would like to do more of such course, not only in the valley but also outside.
We also feel that only training health care workers will not be enough. We will need to spread the concept in the public. During our work we have come across many misconception among the public that stands in the way of providing good care. Hence, training program for public is also required. The first of this kind is planned for September 8, 2006.
To conduct such training programs, we need some help as the donations that we collect from the public only just meets the running cost of Hospice. Please note that the service (both medical and organizational) provided by the doctors are completely voluntary with no remuneration.
Location
Hospice Nepal, Lagankhel
Time Frame
2006- 2009
Institution
Contact
Dr. Rajesh Gongal FRCS
Chairperson, Hospice Nepal
rajgongal
Yahoo.com
ANMF/Nepal Project Manager
Dr. Ram K Ghimire
RamGhimireanmf.net
ANMF/America Project Manager
Bhargab Dixit, MD
BhargabDixitanmf.net
Project Description
In the face of growing number of cancer patients in the country, it is slowly dawning upon many that the care of patients with advanced disease is far from optimal. It would be easy to point out the financial constraints and shun the responsibility to care for such patients. However, it will not be wrong to say that this situation is present because of lack of concept of palliative care not only among the public but even among the care providers. It is necessary to stress that the physicians responsibility does not end when one is diagnosed of a disease so advanced that medical care cannot make any difference to the longevity of the patients. A physician can make the remaining days of the patient a comfortable one.
With the purpose of caring for terminally ill patients and to create awareness about palliative care, Hospice Nepal was brought into being . We began our service in Shrawan 2057. In Asar 2058, we obtained HMG registration (Regd. No: 1064/057/58) to pursue our goal of providing good quality hospice service as an independent unit. This is the first organization to address this issue. Its logo with the flame depicts its resolution to bring light to those in darkness suffering from the dreaded disease. Its motto care ~ comfort ~ console highlights the purpose of it existence.
We are also aware that few Hospice units will not make a difference as the number of patients requiring such service is huge. There is, however, a reluctance to refer patients to hospice among the doctors in general possibly as a result of lack of concept of palliative care. Even if referral were to increase the number of Hospice unit will not be able to cope with the numbers. So ultimately most patients requiring such care will be cared by doctors in the community but with little or no training. To address this issue, we have started two days course in Palliative care from last year which has been immensely popular among doctors and nurses. A handbook has been also published (attached). We would like to do more of such course, not only in the valley but also outside.
We also feel that only training health care workers will not be enough. We will need to spread the concept in the public. During our work we have come across many misconception among the public that stands in the way of providing good care. Hence, training program for public is also required. The first of this kind is planned for September 8, 2006.
Material Requested
Items Cost in US $ LCD Projector
Epson EMP-S3 MM$1,200 Laptop
IBM Thinkpad “T” Series$2,000 Total $3,200
Training Requested
None
Advisors/Instructors Requested
None
Travel/Expenses Requested
None
Grants/Stipends Requested
None
Other Items Requested
Items Cost in US $ Printing of handbook $1,400 Printing brochure for public $500 Fund for travel to other parts of the country for four instructors once a year for three years $3,000 Fund for organizing workshop for public $1,500 Total $6,400
Total Funds Requested
$9,600
Budget
Items Cost in US $ LCD Projector
Epson EMP-S3 MM$1,200 Laptop
IBM Thinkpad “T” Series$2,000 Printing of handbook $1,400 Printing brochure for public $500 Fund for travel to other parts of the country for four instructors once a year for three years $3,000 Fund for organizing workshop for public $1,500 Total $9,600
Additional Information
What have we achieved so far?
After a humble beginning with four beds in a Private Hospital where we provided free service, a year later we moved to our own independent 9 bedded unit in Lagankhel which was built by our well wishers in a land that we have leased.
Here our services have improved. Over the years we have cared for more than 400 patients both from the valley and outside. This has been indeed five years which has taught us more about life, people and suffering. The service rendered is free for patients staying in a general ward and nominal fee is charged for patient in single room.
Almost a year ago we also began community service for patients preferring to stay at home. This has been helped by a van donated by INCTR (International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research).
We have also carried out research on questions of whether patients prefer to know about their disease or not.
We have trained nurses for other Hospices that have opened up recently.
Project Status
10/10/06 Request received by ANMF/Nepal 10/21/06 Proposal was approved for full funding by ANMF Nepal 11/5/06 Projects Committee recommended partial funding: $7,000 total 11/19/06 ANMF Board approves partial funding of $7,000 eliminating computer hardware 5/17/07 Memorandum of understanding signed and $7,000 transferred to Hospice Nepal.
6/7/07 Workshop on palliative care conducted with 30 participants from all parts of Nepal, under Nepal Cancer Relief Society
1/20/08 During 2007 four palliative care courses for doctors, nurses and other health care workers, and three half-day workshops for the general public were conducted 2/17/08 Report received from Hospice Nepal 6/16/08 Final report received from Hospice Nepal 6/22/08 Project closed by the Board as a successfully completed project
