Kanti Yesterday

The following information is taken directly, with permission, from the official medical students' handbook for Kanti Hospital. It's not available on the web anywhere else, and I'll do my best to keep it up to date. However, the info is comprehensive and is useful especially to those folk seriously thinking about doing an elective at Kanti.

Early History

Kanti Children's Hospital (KCH) is remarkable for serving as the only paediatric hospital in Nepal. It was established in 1963 under Soviet patronage, and inaugurated by the late King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. The original building contained 50 beds and medical care was delivered under the guidance of Russian doctors.

However, from 1968 Kanti General Hospital was run totally by His Majesty's Government of Nepal (HMGN). In 1970 the paediatric department of Bir Hospital was transferred to Kanti, which became KCH as we know it today. The transfer changed the hospital's status from being a general hospital to a specialist paediatric centre for Nepal, and an additional 100 beds were added by the Ministry of Health.

The hospital is situated on the northern side of Kathmandu Valley - adjacent to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH).

Patronage received (1970-1998)

The former Soviet Union was responsible for the initial building and partially equipping the hospital. Aid was also forthcoming from the German Nepal Assistance Association. At the same time donations were received from individuals, and others offered their personal service including a number of experts in the areas of anaesthesiology and surgery (from the UK). In 1981 the late Madam Buzak from germany donated incubators, ventilators, a transportation van and much other equipment to the hospital in order to start a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Between 1986 and 1993 the Japanese Government became a particularly significant patron of KCH. In 1986 Mr. Ryutaro Hashimoto procured a major Japanese Grant Aid Award which enabled all out-of-date equipment to be replaced. An oxygen plant and a surgical intensive care unit were also established. In addition several other units were upgraded, including: Neonatal Intensive Care, Pathology Services (with Diagnostics), the Central Sterilized Supply Department, the operating theatre, Anaesthesiology Department, Emergency and Physiotherapy (including the burns sector). The Rt. Honorable Mr. Ryutaro Hashimoto, former Prime Minister of Japan, continues to take interest in KCH.

In 1993 a second phase of Japanese patronage brought benefits both in terms of buildings and facilities. Vast improvements resulted in the surgical and medical sectors.

Surgical sector improvements (1993)

Many facilities were upgraded to provide the core services available today. In addition a lift, cash and registration counter, telephone exchange, and waiting room with video (for public health information) were installed, and the Repair and Maintenance Section (RAMS) was enhanced. A stand-by electricity generator was installed and the drainage system and water supply to the building was improved.

These rebuilding improvements were accompanied by the of facilities to provide x-rays, ultrasonograms, echocardiograms and electroencephalograms in the ground floor Radiology and Diagnostic Department. A 10 bed Observation Ward was provided for the Emergency Department.

Medical sector improvements (1993)

In the Medical sector it was found necessary to renovate the old medical building to create more space for patients and new facilities. Important improvements were made in several areas.

• the Physiotherapy Unit was upgraded and refurbished.
• books were added to the medical library.
• the Medical Records Section was expanded.
• clinics for immunizations and mother & child health were upgraded.
• provision of additional medical beds. In addition, an access road near the hospital was developed.
• the main drainage system for the entire hospital was constructed for the entire hospital was constructed.
• the laundry, which was moved to more spacious region to the west of the hospital was connected to the water mains, and supplied with new automatic washing machines.