Nepal's pediatric surgeons get new guide reflecting local realities

Dr. Rameshwar Prasad Pokharel, a pediatric surgeon with a deep commitment to improving Nepal's healthcare infrastructure, is set to release his second book, 'Basics of Pediatric Surgery,' on June 5. The publication aims to provide locally relevant guidance for medical professionals dealing with pediatric surgical cases in Nepal, a country that has historically faced high infant mortality rates.

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The main reason was very simple. There was no proper reference book for pediatric surgery that reflected our reality in Nepal.

Pokharel's inspiration stems from his childhood experiences in Khotang, witnessing the harsh realities of public health. Over his career, he has actively worked to strengthen the healthcare system by fundraising for and building five hospitals in underserved regions. He also played a key role in establishing the first dedicated 40-bed pediatric surgical ward at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and founded Nepal’s inaugural postgraduate training program in pediatric surgery.

'Basics of Pediatric Surgery' departs from conventional medical texts by adopting a system-based structure rather than a disease-based one. It is divided into six major sections and includes practical advice for doctors and health workers on case identification and appropriate referral to higher medical centers. Pokharel explained that the need for such a book arose from the lack of locally relevant reference materials, forcing medical professionals to rely on foreign texts that often described vastly different healthcare systems and facilities.

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When I was working at Kanti and other hospitals, we had no structured textbooks or locally relevant materials. We depended heavily on what seniors taught us and on foreign books, which often described systems and facilities very different from ours.

His journey into pediatric surgery was not initially planned. After completing his MBBS, he was drawn to pediatrics due to a lack of vacancies in orthopedics. His interest grew, particularly in surgery, after he recognized the severe limitations in pediatric surgical services and training in Nepal. Further studies in Japan enhanced his expertise. Upon returning to Nepal, he was one of only four pediatric surgeons in the country, highlighting the critical need for specialized training and resources that his new book seeks to address.

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I felt like a gap.