Biomedical engineers have repaired 484 medical devices in Nepal’s government hospitals as part of an initiative launched last August.

The National Innovation Center has repaired 484 medical devices across Nepal’s government hospitals, restoring equipment valued at Rs243 million (approximately $2.7 million), according to a report from the Kathmandu Post. 

The initiative, led by biomedical engineers, has brought critical hospital equipment back into operation. The center facilitated the repair of a range of devices, including 36 ventilators, 23 dialysis machines, 10 video X-ray machines, and 55 patient monitors. Other restored equipment includes blood pressure monitors, ECG machines, infusion pumps, surgical tools, and ICU beds, as reported by the Kathmandu Post and other outlets.

Hospitals Benefit from Equipment Repairs

Hospitals benefiting from the repairs include Sahid Gangalal National Heart Center, Bir Hospital, Kanti Children’s Hospital, Sahid Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Bheri Hospital, Narayani Hospital, and several others. 

As reported by the Kathmandu Post, many of the malfunctioning devices had only minor issues, such as power supply failures, dead batteries, or damaged wiring caused by rodents.

The repairs stem from an August 2024 agreement between Health Minister Pradip Paudel and National Innovation Center chair Mahabir Pun, aiming to repair and manage equipment in 17 federal hospitals. Of 660 stored devices inspected following the agreement, 484 have been repaired; 176 additional machines still require spare parts to be restored.

The National Innovation Center plans to repair devices at additional hospitals, including Patan Academy of Health Sciences, the National Trauma Center, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, and Rapti Academy of Health Sciences, according to the Kathmandu Post.

Summary:
Biomedical engineers, as part of an initiative by the National Innovation Center and Nepal’s Ministry of Health, have repaired 484 medical devices across government hospitals, restoring equipment valued at approximately $2.7 million. The effort has revived critical hospital tools, including ventilators, dialysis machines, and patient monitors, benefiting multiple facilities. Many devices required only minor fixes, and further repairs are planned for additional hospitals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hundreds of Devices Restored – The National Innovation Center has repaired 484 medical devices across Nepal’s government hospitals, bringing essential equipment back into use.
  • Common Issues Addressed – Many devices had minor issues such as power supply failures, dead batteries, and wiring damage, which were resolved to restore functionality.
  • Ongoing Repair Efforts – The initiative, launched through a government agreement, will continue at more hospitals, with 176 additional devices still awaiting spare parts for repair.

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