Nepal: Helping Salina heal from her injuries

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Salina waited two days for medical attention

Salina is from a village 56 miles from Kathmandu in the district of Kavre, a rural area with very limited medical services. The earthquake destroyed part of Salina's home and much of her village lay in ruins.

“There was nothing left,” explains her grandfather, who has been at her bedside ever since. “We had to wait for two days, without anywhere to go and no medical attention, before we were evacuated to hospital."

Handicap International teams are now caring for Salina

After arriving at the National Trauma Center in Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Salina has been supported by Handicap International specialists. Our teams are working in four Kathmandu hospitals providing care for people with serious injuries.

“Salina’s forearm was broken five days ago and she’s going to be operated on soon,” explains Jay, a Handicap International physical therapist. “In the meantime, we are advising her family how they can help prevent complications caused by her extended period of inactivity. Once Salina has had her operation, we will provide her with an orthosis to support her arm as it heals.”

People with injuries need good follow-up care

People arriving from more remote areas have had to wait longer for treatment, leaving them at greater risk of complications. Such complications could lead to long-term disabilities and even result in amputations.

“We’re now seeing more people with injuries coming in from the rural areas,” says Pushpak Newar, Handicap International’s rehabilitation manager in Nepal. “People are arriving by car, public transport, ambulances, and helicopters. We must ensure that injured people can access good follow-up care - the emergency does not end once people leave the operating room.”