The open session of the AGM commenced with an opening prayer by advisor Dr Deependra Kumar Gautam, followed by a time of worship and prayer led by the INF Choir Team. Mr. Rajendra Kumar Adhikari, Vice Chair of INF Nepal, delivered a warm welcome address, setting a reflective and hopeful tone for the event. The chief guest, Mr. Ram Prasad Sharma, Chairperson of the Pokhara Christian Community, inaugurated the meeting by watering a plant, symbolising growth and renewal.

During the session, INF Nepal welcomed two new general members, Mrs. Shakuntala Thanju and Dr. Surya Man Menyangbo (Limbu), who were formally introduced and led through a ceremony of commitment by Board Chairperson Mr. Madhu Kumar Thapa.

The program also featured a “Word of the Day” reflection shared by Pastor Ved (David) Bahadur Tamang, offering encouragement and insight. Krishna Adhikari, Executive Director of INF Nepal, presented a comprehensive annual report, highlighting the organisation’s achievements, impact stories, and challenges from the past year, alongside the plans and budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Adding a personal touch, Mrs. Meena Mahato, Project Officer of the Kapilvastu Program, shared her inspiring field experience, her personal and professional growth reflecting on the life-changing impact of INF’s work in her life .  Similarly, the Secretary Madhav Neupane presented the Executive Board report, while Treasurer Ms. Dhana Lama shared the audit report, financial report, and budget plan of FY 2082/83, ensuring continued transparency and accountability in INF Nepal’s stewardship.

Encouraging words were shared by the chief guest, Ram Prasad Sharma, commending INF Nepal’s contribution to the health and development of communities across Nepal and long-standing relationship between INF Nepal and Pokhara Christian Community. The open session concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks from Board Chairperson Madhu Kumar Thapa, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to all members, partners, and staff for their commitment and service.

The closed session, attended exclusively by members, focused on formal proceedings. The assembly approved the Programme and Financial Report for FY 2081/82, along with the Plan and Budget for FY 2082/83. The minutes of the 33rd AGM were also officially endorsed.

As part of the organizational transition, two outgoing board members, Mr. Yam Joshi and Mrs. Bhim Kumari Shrestha, were appreciated for their two tenures of dedicated service. Two new board members, Mrs. Sabina Tiwari and Mr. Prakash Shrestha, and former member Mr. Madhav Neupane were elected to the INF Nepal Board. The election process was facilitated by Election Commissioner Mr. Bharat Gurung.

The meeting concluded with final words of appreciation from Chairperson Madhu Kumar Thapa, expressing gratitude to all members, staff, and supporters for their continued partnership in advancing INF Nepal’s mission of bringing “life in all its fullness” to people and communities in need across Nepal. The program ended with a closing prayer by  R.C. Timothy, immediate Chairperson of INF Nepal.

Best Western Plus Hotel, Kathmandu and Virtual Conference Online

Session – 18th February – Day 1

1. Welcome and Conference Inauguration

Presenter: Ms Mahima Battarai (MC), Dr Arun Budha (Medical Services Director, GPH), Mr Krishna Adhikari (ED, INF Nepal), Prof Rajesh Gongal (VC, PAHS)

2. History of Palliative Care in INF Nepal and the Development of the Sunita Project

Presenter: Dr Ruth Powys (Retired Palliative Care Services Head, GPH)

3. Palliative Care Needs in Rural Nepal: Exploratory Mixed Methods Survey

Presenter: Sunita Project Research Team

4. Sunita Project – Training Programs and Evaluation: What Did We Learn?

Presenter: Sunita Project Research Team

5. Working Together for Palliative Care: A Rural Health Team’s Experience

Presenter: Dr Dum Kumari and Team from Rainas Municipality

6. Research Partnership with Global Health Academy

Presenter: Dr Dave Fearon (GHA, University of Edinburgh)

7. Essential Medicines for Palliative Care

Presenter: Dr Daniel Munday (Consultant Advisor, Sunita Project)

Launch of the Palliative Care Formulary : Mr Krishna Adhikari, Prof Bishnu Paudel, Prof Rajesh Gongal

Session – 19th February – Day 2

1. Opening Ceremony Day Two

Presenter: Dr Arun Budha, Dr Cathy Ratcliff (CEO EMMS), Mr Rob Fenn (British Ambassador)

2. Keynote Lecture One: “10 years’ Experience of Developing Community Palliative Care”

Presenter: Professor Rajesh Gongal (VC Patan Academy of Health Sciences and Hospice Nepal)

3. Overview of Sunita Project and the Way Forward

Presenter: Dr Amrita Shrestha (Palliative Care Services Lead, GPH)

4. “Sunita’s Story” a Contributor-led Video of Rural Palliative Care – Chair’s Remarks

Presenter: Mr Krishna Adhikari

5. Keynote Lecture Two: Global Health and Palliative Care

Presenter: Professor Liz Grant (Director, Global Health Academy, University of Edinburgh, UK)

6. WHO – Global Initiatives

Presenter: Dr Megan Doherty (Consultant, WHO, Geneva)

7. Palliative Care in Kerala: The Pallium India Experience

Presenter: Ms Smriti Rana (Head of Strategic Programmes and Partnerships, Pallium India)

8. Palliative Care and Mental Health in the Community

Presenter: Dr Chitra Venkateswaran (Consultant Psychiatrist and Director, Mehac Foundation, Kerala)

9. Rural Palliative Care in Ethiopia

Presenter: Dr Nuhamin Gebre (King’s College, London)

10. Poverty Reducing Palliative Care – Malawi

Presenter: Dr Maya Jane Bates (GHA, University of Edinburgh)

11. NAPCare Response

Presenter: Professor Bishnu Paudel (President of NAPCare)

12. Palliative Care at the Gurkha Welfare Trust

Presenter: Dr Satish Gurung (Deputy Medical Director, GWT)

13. The Difference Palliative Care Makes in a Rural Hospital

Presenter: Dr Rajib Neupane (UMN Hospital Tansen)

14. Fellowship in Palliative Care: Report of the First Completed Rotation

Presenter: Dr Raj Kumar Gajmer (Assistant Professor, PAHS)

15. Children’s Palliative Care

Presenter: Dr Amrita Shrestha, Ms Sarah Riggsbee (Rehabilitation Lead, GPH)

16. Vacuum Dressing Research

Presenter: Dr Suraj Maharjan (Plastic Surgeon), Dr Arjan Knulst (Biomedical Engineer, GPH)

17. PhD – NCD Research in Nepal

Presenter: Ms Namuna Shrestha (University of Huddersfield, UK)

18. MSc Dissertation – Moral Distress in Healthcare Workers

Presenter: Ms Manju BK (Palliative Care Specialist Nurse, Lalgadh Hospital)

19. Closing Ceremony with Message from Chief Guest

Presenter: The Honourable Minister of Health and Population, Mr Pradip Paudel

20. “Sunita’s Story” a Contributor-led Video of Rural Palliative Care

The AGM’s open session commenced with a warm welcome address from Dhana Lama, Treasurer of the INF Nepal Board. The inaugural ceremony was graced together by chief guest Pastor Kalu Bahadur Tamang, Acting Chairperson of the Pokhara Christian Community, and RC Timothy, INF Nepal’s Board Chairperson, who inaugurated the meeting by lighting a candle in the traditional Nepali style. The meeting also warmly welcomed two new general members, Prakash Gharti and Suman Bayalkoti, who were introduced and led in a brief ceremony of commitment by RC Timothy.

The program also featured key presentations, including Madhu Thapa, board secretary, presenting the Executive Committee’s Annual Report. Krishna Adhikari, Executive Director, presented a comprehensive look at INF Nepal’s impact over the past year and its vision for the coming year. Dr Arun Kumar Budha, medical services director, then shared an overview of the Hospital and Health Services report and future direction. Dhaka Ram BM, Managing Director of Shining Nepal Multi-Purpose Company (SNMC), provided updates on SNMC’s report and plans.

Dhana Lama presented the Audit Report, Finance Report and Budget plan to uphold financial transparency, followed by messages of encouragement and support shared by esteemed guests and general members Durga Gurung and Hari Ram Ghimire, with special greetings from chief guest Pastor Kalu Bahadur Tamang. The AGM concluded with a vote of thanks extended by Board Treasurer Dhana Lama. The open session concluded with closing remarks from RC Timothy and a prayer by Rajendra Kumar Adhikari, INF Nepal Board Vice-Chairperson.

The second part of the meeting, attended exclusively by members, saw the formal approval of the Programme and Financial Report for FY 2080-81 and the Plan and Budget for 2081-82. The 32nd AGM minutes were approved, and 3 Board vacant positions were filled with complete consensus. The newly nominated members were Dr. Indra Bahadur Napit, Dr. Shiva Ram Srimal and Madhu Kumar Thapa. The 123rd Board meeting was held after the AGM, under the chairship of Vice chairperson Mr. Rajendra Kumar Adhikari, who confirmed the office bearer position on the Board. Mr. Madhu Kumar Thapa was confirmed as Chairperson, and Mr Madhav Neupane was confirmed as Secretary. Dr. Shiv Ram Shrimal and Dr. Indra Bahadur Napit were confirmed as Board Members. Pastor KP Tripathy, the election commissioner, facilitated the nomination process.

This year’s AGM not only celebrated the organisation’s achievements and outlined plans for the future but also marked a significant leadership transition. INF Nepal extends heartfelt gratitude to RC Timothy for his decade of service and dedication as Chairperson from 2014 to 2024, which has been instrumental in advancing the vision and mission of INF Nepal. His commitment and leadership have contributed significantly to the growth and development of INF Nepal, helping us extend our reach and impact in the communities we serve.

A warm welcome also goes to Madhu Kumar Thapa, elected as the new Chairperson. His appointment signifies an exciting phase of continued progress and commitment to INF Nepal’s mission and values, bringing and living out the vision of “Life in All Its Fullness.”

INF Nepal looks forward to this new chapter of growth, continuing its mission to empower communities with health and community development initiatives across Nepal.

The handover ceremony was officiated by Ghanshyam Bhandari, Minister for Social Development of Karnali Province, alongside Ram Chandra Timothy, Chairman of INF Nepal. The event was also an opportunity to extend special thanks to Dr. Shirley Heywood for her outstanding dedication and contributions to this mission, as well as to the many healthcare workers who have played a role in the centre’s success. Dr. Heywood’s commitment has been instrumental in building and sustaining a service that provides dignity and hope for women in need.

INF Nepal acknowledges the invaluable support of our funding partners, whose contributions have been essential in establishing and maintaining the fistula treatment services over the years. Your support has left a lasting impact, providing accessible healthcare and a better quality of life for affected women.

As INF Nepal hands over operations to the Province Hospital, the organisation remains deeply committed to improving healthcare in the Karnali region, supporting initiatives that align with our mission to bring sustainable and inclusive healthcare to all. We look forward to seeing the Province Hospital continue this vital work, empowered by the foundation laid through our partnership.

Thank you for your ongoing support in helping make this vision a reality!

On the night of 11 July 2024, a devastating landslide struck Puranchaur in Pokhara-19, tragically claiming seven lives and causing significant property damage. The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, affected the areas of Tallakot Thati and Puraunchaur Danda, covering homes with large volumes of mud.

Local authorities, Nepal Police, and Nepal Red Cross volunteers promptly conducted search and rescue operations. Despite their swift response, seven individuals lost their lives—six in one household and one in a neighbouring house. Additionally, one person sustained injuries but has since been discharged from the hospital. On that night a total of 11 people were killed due to landslides in various locations in Pokhara.

INF Nepal, in collaboration with Asal Chhimekee Nepal, responded quickly to support the affected families in Puranchaur. On 12 July we distributed 36 tarpaulins, P-foam and 18 blankets to provide basic shelter and protection from the rainfall. These supplies were distributed directly to the doorsteps of the most affected families, ensuring they received immediate relief. The affected families are currently staying with relatives due to the fear of further landslides.

The local community remains in shock, with several households evacuating their homes to seek refuge in safer locations. INF Nepal is closely monitoring the situation, with ongoing efforts to provide necessary support and address any additional needs.

The community has expressed gratitude for the immediate support received, highlighting the positive impact of having basic shelter and warmth during this difficult time. Moving forward, INF Nepal will continue to coordinate with local authorities to monitor the situation, gather accurate data on the total number of affected households, and prepare to provide further assistance as needed.

The meeting served as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. The meeting attendees exchanged ideas on strengthening disaster preparedness efforts in Gandaki Province.

Krishna Adhikari, Executive Director of INF Nepal, welcomed the member attendees while Surya Bahadur Thapa, the Immediate Past President of DP Net Centre Committee, shared the objective of DP Net.

The DP Net Gandaki Province members included representatives from diverse organisations such as the Immediate & Past President of the DP Net Centre Committee, NGO Federation of Gandaki and Kaski, Aama Milan Kendra, INSEC Pokhara, Asal Chhimekee Nepal (ACN), and INF Nepal.

INF Nepal and ACN shared their recent experiences and lessons learned from their disaster response efforts in the aftermath of the Jajarkot Earthquake. Their insights provided valuable guidance on effective disaster response practices, contributing to the collective efforts to enhance disaster preparedness in the Gandaki region.

The meeting highlighted DP Net’s role in facilitating collaboration among organisations, including government institutions and fostering shared experiences and strategies for disaster preparedness and response.

Hari Bandhu Aryal, DRR Technical Coordinator of INF Nepal, facilitated the meeting.

The camps were organised at the Udaypur Health Post of Ward No. 5 and Shisawa Health Post of Ward No. 9, which saw 440 individuals (212 male and 228 female). Among them, eight individuals were suspected of leprosy cases, needing immediate initiation of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT), while seven underwent biopsies for further diagnosis.

Various skin conditions were addressed during the camp, highlighting the diverse healthcare needs within the community, including Multibacillary leprosy, type-1 reaction, tinea, eczema, dryness, planta, allergy, scabies, and vitiligo.

The camps were led by a medical team from Green Pastures Hospital, including a dermatologist and lab technologist, supported by a community outreach team and coordinated by the local INF team of Kapilvastu Branch Office.

The primary objective of leprosy screening medical camp is to proactively detect and diagnose individuals suffering from leprosy within a community or population. Identify individuals with early signs and symptoms of leprosy, allowing for prompt treatment initiation and prevention of further transmission and prevention from grade two disability.

Mayor Aftab Alam of Maharajgunj Municipality thanked the INF team, acknowledging their dedication to addressing neglected issues within Kapilvastu.

We are also thankful to the local officials, including Mayor Abdul Kalam, Ward Chairperson of Ward No. 9 Pharid Ahamud Muhammad, Leprosy Focal Person of Maharajgunj municipality Radheshyam Kalwar, Health Unit In-charge Iswari Prasad Neupane, and Chief of the Health Office in Kapilbastu Narayan Prasad Chaudhary for all their support and collaboration. Their positive assessment affirmed the programme’s effectiveness in addressing crucial healthcare needs within the community.