Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre (SIRC), Kathmandu

SIRC is a 51 bed facility (with overflow to 70-100 beds) that admits both SCI and stroke patients. Visiting SIRC as our first hospital visit, provided our team an incredible opportunity to learn about rehabilitation for individuals with SCIs in Nepal. This specialized facility has a strong leadership in rehabilitation, including physiatry training, tele-rehabilitation, and wheelchair manufacturing. It was impressive to see the breadth of services offered, including a tour of their vocational training centre (VOICE), although staffing limitations in rehab, and the need for improved follow-up care remain key challenges. This project provides training in tasks such as sewing, embroidery, wheelchair repair, and pickle making as a way to introduce employment opportunities for individuals after SCI.
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A highlight of the day was meeting with Dr. Raju, the first Nepali physiatrist.

Sundar Dhoka Saathi Sewa (SSDS), Kathmandu

At SDSS, the team delivered impactful community-based education through a day-long workshop attended by 35 community members, including individuals with SCI and their partners or family members. The sessions focused on key topics such as sexual health, bladder management, pressure injury prevention, and pain management, with presentations designed to support individuals with SCI in better understanding their condition and developing self-management skills. The visit highlighted significant gaps in access to essential supplies and underscored the importance of culturally sensitive education, particularly around topics like sexual health. NepalAbility supported participants by providing transportation funding, as well as donating catheters and a wheelchair cushion.

Green Pastures Hospital (GPH), Pokhara 

GPH is a strong partner site for NepalAbility, demonstrating robust interdisciplinary engagement through education sessions, home visit programs, and collaborative clinical practice, although workforce gaps and system pressures remain ongoing challenges. Team 27 engaged with a wide range of staff through group education and teaching sessions, sharing clinical expertise while also learning from the GPH team. Two days of home visits enhanced understanding of community living in Nepal and provided insight into the implementation of NepalAbility-funded visits. The team also observed and supported clinician treatment sessions across OT, PT, Spiritual Care, and Speech Therapy, and shared donations and supplies, which were received with enthusiasm and appreciation. The visit was thoughtfully planned and coordinated, including five NepalAbility-funded lunch-and-learn sessions, ensuring meaningful daily opportunities for mutual learning and growth. In addition to the teaching provided at the other sites, at GPH the team provided education on technology for supporting communication (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), wheelchair skills, ​and psychosocial support to help individuals adapt to disability.

United Mission Hospital (UHMT), Tansen

“I am the newest member of NepalAbility” shared by David, an employee living with a SCI. UMHT has an expanding rehabilitation program within an acute care hospital setting, demonstrating a strong commitment to patient care despite operating in a fast-paced and differently resourced environment compared to Pokhara; however, improved scheduling, clearer goal setting, and increased funding would further enhance its impact. During the visit, Team 27 engaged in meaningful collaboration with an interprofessional group, contributing to clinical education and hands-on support across inpatient and outpatient care. Educational sessions focused on key areas such as activities of daily living (ADLs), transfer training, sexual health, and pain management, aligning with the needs of patients with spinal cord and other neurological conditions. The team also participated in home visits and outpatient follow-ups, gaining valuable insight into the real-world challenges faced by patients and families, including limited equipment and environmental barriers. While the collaboration was impactful, the experience highlighted opportunities to strengthen structure, communication, and coordination between our two organizations to further support patient-centered care in future engagements.

United Mission Okhaldhunga Community Hospital (UMOCH)

UMOCH is an emerging rural partner with a strong interest in advancing rehabilitation training and community-based care, though it faces limited resources and logistical challenges. Located in eastern Nepal and operated by United Mission to Nepal, the hospital has a small rehabilitation department consisting of two physiotherapists (PTs) who have been actively participating in NepalAbility’s webinars, demonstrating a clear commitment to capacity building. The presence of a biomedical engineer who can create basic rehabilitation devices adds valuable local innovation, while Dr. Roshan—who has previously collaborated with NepalAbility at Tansen and now serves as medical director—further strengthens the connection and potential for ongoing partnership and program development.
Conclusion
As Team 27’s visit comes to a close, what remains most striking is not only the knowledge shared, but the relationships strengthened and the resilience witnessed across every site. The experience reinforced that meaningful change grows through partnership—listening deeply, learning together, and building on the strengths already present within each community. While challenges remain, so too does a clear and hopeful path forward, grounded in collaboration, compassion, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of individuals living with SCI and other rehabilitation needs. NepalAbility’s continued engagement, alongside its dedicated partners in Nepal, holds tremendous potential to foster sustainable, patient-centred care for years to come.