Nepal's healthcare facilities outside the Kathmandu valley are very poor, with healthposts where they exist, rarely staffed by qualified nurses. Most of the hospitals outside the Valley do not even have qualified doctors working in them.

Deusa is an example of such a village. Whilst there is a healthpost, there is no one employed there. Fortunately there is a lady who knows a bit about giving injections and basic first aid, but otherwise the closest alternative medical care is a day's walk away at the hospital at Phaphlu - where there are no doctors or the next alternative is to fly from Phaphlu to Kathmandu or walk 3 - 4 days to Jiri, where there is the nearest road and transport to Kathmandu.

RAN is working with a few healthposts and a hospital in other areas of Nepal.  Medics - whether doctors, medical students, or nurses - are very welcome to volunteer, either helping at a healthpost or small hospital in Nepal. Contact Marianne at marianne@rannepal.org (Rural Assistance Nepal www.rannepal.org) if you would be interested to help.

Please mention 'Expedition Medicine' in your correspondence.