Disaster and Emergency Response

Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre (SIRC) plays a critical role in disaster and emergency response, providing specialized care for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) resulting from natural disasters, accidents, and other emergencies. Our experience, particularly after the 2015 Nepal earthquake, has reinforced the need for immediate medical intervention, early rehabilitation, and long-term support for survivors. SIRC actively collaborates with national and international partners to strengthen emergency preparedness, train healthcare professionals, and establish response mechanisms to ensure timely and effective care for those affected by disasters.

COVID-19 Response at SIRC

Despite all preventive measures, the first case of COVID-19 at the Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre (SIRC) was detected on August 18, 2020. Through our own efforts and coordination with the District Health Office and the Ministry of Health, we were able to conduct COVID-19 tests for 239 patients, caretakers, and staff within the premises of SIRC. At that time, there were more than 100 asymptomatic positive cases in the centre. Due to the lack of accessible infrastructure, individuals with spinal cord injuries could not be sent to regular COVID-19 management centres. This presented a significant challenge in ensuring both necessary rehabilitation services and care for COVID-19-infected patients and caretakers.

Disaster and Emergency Response
Disaster and Emergency Response

To cope with the situation, we took several key steps:

  • The centre was divided into two major areas: (a) a section for positive patients, cared for by medical staff who had tested positive but remained asymptomatic; and (b) a section for COVID-19-negative patients, attended to by medical staff who had tested negative. SIRC was the first organization to implement such a strategy.
  • Food management was outsourced since 90% of the cafeteria staff had contracted COVID-19.
  • The centre provided four free meals daily to everyone inside, despite the government’s support being limited to only those who had tested positive. Additionally, hot water, ginger, and fruits were made available to all to help boost immunity.
  • We collaborated with the government’s paramedic team to implement protective measures and support the non-clinical management team.
  • Regular exercise sessions were organized to maintain the mental and physical well-being of COVID-19-positive patients.

The pandemic placed an immense financial and technical burden on SIRC. Despite these challenges, we remained committed to keeping our friends and well-wishers informed about the crisis and our ongoing response efforts. We sincerely thanked our supporters worldwide for their unwavering love and assistance to individuals with spinal cord injuries in Nepal. Additionally, we appealed for much-needed financial and technical support to help SIRC navigate this difficult time.

Disaster and Emergency Response