HISTORY OF SIRC

The Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre at Jorpati is the first activity of the Spinal Injury Sangha Nepal, a registered non-profit society set up in late 2001. Of the many challenges that need to be addressed, a rehabilitation facility was considered the most urgent. The Center’s services complement the work already being done by hospitals, and focus on ensuring that patients receive specialized care, support and counseling. Even with the limited resources at hand, the Center has concentrated on providing patients with the skills and knowledge to remain active and able, to the best of their abilities, given the nature of their injuries. The Center makes it possible for patients and their families to eventually return home and enjoy a reasonable quality of life.

The facility has been set up in a small converted hospital at Jorpati, in the outskirts of Kathmandu city, on the road from the Boudha Stupa to the Gokarna Reserve. It is located within the quiet campus of the Nepal Disabled Association, amidst wide lawns and conveniently close to other facilities with a similar focus of care and support, including an orthopedic hospital, an orphanage for disabled children, and a residential center for the disabled.

The 30 bedded Rehabilitation Center has is staffed with a hard-working group of some qualified caregivers including a Doctor in-charge, Staff nurse, Physiotherapist, 2 PT assistants, 1 OT assitant, 4 Health assistants and other staff. When fully operational, besides out-patient physiotherapy and Occupational therapy support, the Center will provide live-in-care for up to forty individuals. Facilities around the courtyard of the single-storey building of the Rehabilitation Center include male and female wards, a physiotherapy wing, occupational therapy wing, kitchen and dining space, rest area for the patients’ family members, and a backyard garden space.

The Rehabilitation Center operates through the funds raised by the Spinal Injury Sangha Nepal. A modest all-inclusive charge is asked of the patients, Rs. 100 for board and facilities and Rs. 50 for food (totaling Rs. 150 a day, equivalent to USD 2.1) A fund for the needy will be set up so that those who are unable to pay this amount will receive subsidy. A limit is placed on the length of stay for patients in order to allow space for others in need.

The centre is a charitable organization and supports the poor and needy. It has to continuously raise fund for its effort. Due to lack of proper funds some plans remains unstarted. Only few things can be implemented.

Also the centre seeks help from qualified individuals around the world to move ahead. At this growing stage and especially due to newly established departments and few qualified professionals things are quite difficult.

The volunteers are expected to make the best of their time here and do as much as possible.