Duchess of Edinburgh Visits Bhaktapur Hospital, Emphasizes Maternal and Women’s Health

Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie visited Bhaktapur Hospital today, where she inspected the gynecological ward and gathered information about the hospital’s maternity services.

During her visit, the Duchess interacted with new mothers and newborns, inquiring about their health and the medical treatments available. She praised the hospital for its gynecological services and its commitment to maternal healthcare.

The Duchess also expressed concern over challenges faced by survivors of sexual harassment and violence, emphasizing the importance of effective survivor management, family reunification, and social reintegration. She commended the women health volunteers for their invaluable contributions to the healthcare sector, despite their work being unpaid.

Additionally, she examined advanced medical technologies used for maternity care and visited the hospital’s newly constructed building, supported by the British government, as well as a retrofitted facility.

Following the visit, Bagmati Province Health Secretary Kiran Thapa stated that maternity wards in 13 hospitals across the province are being improved with enhanced human resources, medical equipment, and infrastructure.

Ministry of Health Secretary Dr. Sumitra Gautam highlighted Bhaktapur Hospital’s achievement in becoming a model healthcare institution and emphasized the government’s systematic approach to upgrading provincial hospitals.

Hospital Development Committee Chairperson Sashijung Thapa noted that Bhaktapur Hospital serves not only local patients but also individuals from across Nepal. He underscored the need for additional medical equipment, including MRI machines, CT scans, and dialysis facilities, to further enhance patient care.

Executive Director Dr. Surendra Prasad Bhatta provided an overview of the hospital’s specialized healthcare services, particularly reproductive health and treatment for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. He explained that the hospital provides psychological counseling, medical treatment, and rehabilitation services, ensuring survivors receive necessary support.

The Duchess personally interacted with patients and hospital staff during her visit. She was accompanied by British Embassy officials Diego Moroso and Deepak Karki.

Duchess Sophie, who arrived in Nepal on January 30 with her husband, Duke of Edinburgh Prince Edward, will remain in the country until February 9. The British royal couple is scheduled to visit the British Embassy in Kathmandu, the National Botanical Garden in Godavari, ICIMOD, and Pokhara, among other locations.