Expanding High-Quality Healthcare Services at One of the Busiest Leprosy Hospitals in the World

POSTED ON: SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

When Lalgadh Leprosy Hospital and Services Center in southeastern Nepal opened its doors in 1996, it was designed for the several thousand people affected by leprosy who came for treatment each year. Last year the hospital provided almost 104,000 patient consultations, including nearly 12,500 for people affected by leprosy.

The staff felt strongly that they wanted to provide the best possible care to patients in this rural area where leprosy is prevalent and there is a lack of quality medical services.

But with sometimes more than 800 patients coming every day, the hospital infrastructure needed serious work.

So, thanks to the support of people like you, and a $763,000 grant from USAID’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program, American Leprosy Missions helped the hospital expand and modernize:

  • outpatient department
  • laboratory
  • registration area
  • emergency unit
  • footwear and prosthetics workshop
  • incinerator
  • solar power

In June 2017, the new buildings were officially opened during a special inauguration ceremony. The benefits were seen almost immediately.

  • The new registration and billing area allow patients to check in more quickly.
  • The new consultation suite gives medical staff and patients the extra space they need for proper consultations.
  • Solar panels on the roof power the hospital IT equipment, even when the main electrical grid is not working.
  • The new emergency unit helps staff to handle emergencies effectively.

These new buildings, along with an expanded laboratory and a new footwear and prosthetics workshop, are enabling the team at Lalgadh Hospital to better serve their growing patient population. Patient visits are now more comfortable and less time consuming.

Thank you for helping us to expand sustainable, high-quality healthcare services at Lalgadh Hospital, one of the busiest leprosy hospitals in the world.

About USAID ASHA

This project was made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID administers the U.S. foreign assistance program providing economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 80 countries worldwide. USAID’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program aims to increase the ability of overseas schools, libraries and hospitals to demonstrate U.S. advancements in education and medical technology. These institutions then contribute to the strengthening of mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those of other countries while creating a foundation for leadership development. The contents of this news update are the responsibility of American Leprosy Missions and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

Inside the new emergency suite. The new buildings at Lalgadh Hospital are helping the dedicated staff to better serve their growing number of patients.

Special guests Mrs. Linda Kentro, Environmental Health Team Leader, USAID Nepal, and Mr. Satrughan Mahato, a member of parliament, unveil a plaque on the consultation suite during the inauguration ceremony.

New footwear and prosthetics workshop that you helped build at Lalgadh Hospital in Nepal.