Frontline Heroes: Compassion in Action

The COVID-19 wave battering India has swept across the border into Nepal, plunging the country into a new emergency. International and domestic flights have been suspended until at least May 31st and the country is in lockdown. As of May 24, 2021, only 2% of Nepal’s 30 million people had been fully vaccinated and the infection rate is skyrocketing. Since the first case was reported in Nepal in January 2020, there have been 513,241 confirmed cases, with 43% happening in the last month.

During times of crisis, HRDC has responded swiftly and effectively to help those who are most vulnerable, and now is no exception. HRDC’s partner hospital in Kathmandu, B&B Hospital, quickly converted a portion of their hospital into a COVID ICU. While 50 beds are available, the oxygen supply is extremely low.

“There was one moment when our entire supply would have run out in 10-15 minutes, and had not some spare cylinders arrived from HRDC, we would have lost patients!” said Dr. Bibek Banskota, HRDC Medical Director

Drivers and vehicles have been hired to refill empty oxygen cylinders, a process that requires waiting in line for 24 hours. HRDC’s donor Direct Relief generously contributed 10 oxygen concentrators which require only electricity to convert air into medical oxygen. As the crisis escalates, more support is needed for additional oxygen. 

At the HRDC Hospital in Banepa, 52 children and their guardians are in residence and must stay for the duration of lockdown. The hospital is well equipped to care for them, and treatment will continue, but additional funds are needed for food, masks, gloves, and personal protective equipment.

The courageous teams at HRDC & B&B Hospital are true frontline heroes in this time of crisis in Nepal.