UK’s Duchess Sophie visits Bhaktapur Hospital (photos)

KATHMANDU: The United Kingdom’s Duchess Sophie, currently on a visit to Nepal, toured Bhaktapur Hospital today, focusing on its maternity ward.

During her visit, Duchess Sophie received a detailed briefing on maternity services and interacted with postpartum women and newborns.

She inquired about the health conditions of the mothers and babies, as well as the hospital’s treatment procedures.

Holding a newborn, she expressed appreciation for the hospital’s services, calling them commendable. She also showed keen interest in the support provided to women affected by sexual abuse and violence.

Discussions were held on managing such cases, family reunification, and social reintegration.

Duchess Sophie praised the contributions of female volunteers working in the health sector without remuneration. She also lauded Bhaktapur Hospital’s efforts in maternal and neonatal care.

Her visit included discussions on the hospital’s advancements in maternity care, modern equipment, and technology. She also toured a newly constructed building and a retrofitted facility developed with British government support.

During a discussion following the visit, Bagmati Province’s Health Minister, Kiran Thapa, stated that efforts are underway to enhance maternity wards across all 13 provincial hospitals with adequate staff, equipment, and infrastructure.

Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Sumitra Gautam, highlighted Bhaktapur Hospital as a model institution and emphasized the government’s commitment to the systematic development of all provincial hospitals.

Shashi Jung Thapa, Chairperson of the Hospital Development Committee, mentioned that Bhaktapur Hospital serves not only local residents but also patients from eastern Nepal. He expressed hope that the addition of MRI, CT scan, and dialysis machines would greatly benefit patients.

Hospital Executive Director Dr. Surendra Prasad Bhatt briefed Duchess Sophie on the hospital’s role in reproductive health services.

He elaborated on its work in providing medical care, psychological counseling, and safe shelter for women affected by gender-based violence.

Duchess Sophie also engaged with patients and gathered firsthand insights into hospital services. Accompanying her were British Embassy officials, including Health Advisor Diego Moroso and Coordinator Deepak Karki.

Duchess Sophie arrived in Nepal on Tuesday and is scheduled to visit the British Embassy in Kathmandu, the National Botanical Garden in Godawari, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), and Pokhara during her trip.