Background

It is assumed that 55% of the Nepalese population does not have access to basic health care and there are –apart from SKM hospital – only a few other facilities for plastic and reconstructive surgery for the whole Nepalese population.
In Nepal, as well as in other countries in the world, congenital deformities are under – observed. Many Nepalese are unable to live normal lives due to congenital deformities of the face ( such as cleft, lips and plates) and the limbs: deformities causes by second and third degree burns; skin and soft after- effects caused by a severe injury or any other dysfunctional after –effects of improper or non-existent medical care.

Beside this, serious burns happen far more often than in developed countries as people still cook and sleep mostly by open fires. Mothers also tend to leave their young children at home while they work in the fields, which can lead to serious burn injuries. Moreover, the technically insufficient "modern" kerosene stoves can easily explode, causing many serious burns, mainly to children and women.

Response

In response to an urgent need for comprehensive, high quality, low-cost (and free) plastic and reconstructive surgery services in Nepal, Prof Lemperle and SKM Trust established the SKM Hospital in 1997.
Currently medical facilities to treat burns, deformities, tumors etc. are rare and usually both inaccessible and unaffordable for the majority of people needing such service.
That is why we organize the system of free treatment for those who cannot afford to be cured, and for others the fees depend on the importance and the duration of the operation.

Aims of the SKM Hospital

;