Norhed II Physio Nepal
Strengthening academic capacity in physiotherapy education in Nepal
The Norwegian Program for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED), aims to strengthen the capacity of higher educational institutions in developing countries to produce higher-quality graduates, high-quality research, and more inclusive higher education. The NORHED-II program has funded the project, “Strengthening academic capacity in physiotherapy education in Nepal”.
Objective
- To strengthen the academic capacity in physiotherapy education and research in Nepal as prerequisite to develop physiotherapy as an integral part in the health service system.
Outcome
- Establish the first master program in physiotherapy in Nepal
- Develop a new bachelor program in physiotherapy
- Develop a pedagogic course for faculty
- Graduate three PhD candidates
Rationale
- Satisfy the need of physiotherapists in the health sector
- Post graduate opportunities
- Research in own context
Village health promotion program in Nepal
In Roshi village of Kavre, the Physiotherapy Team of Dr. Ranjeeta Acharya conducted a health promotion program focused on menstrual hygiene, hand hygiene, and the role of physiotherapy in managing dysmenorrhea. The initiative targeted 50 female students from grades 7 to 9 at a government school in a rural village, where health literacy on these topics remains low.
In addition to empowering students with essential knowledge and practical skills, they also educated school teachers, ensuring a broader and more lasting impact on the community’s well-being. They also distributed safe hygiene kit which included two reusable pads, nail cutter and a soap.
The NORHED project facilitates hiring of more physiotherapists to the clinic at Kathmandu Medical College!
Workshop: Gender and Gender-based violence for Physiotherapists
A two-day Gender and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) workshop was conducted on 22 & 23 December 2024, with 60 participants at Dhulikhel Hospital for physiotherapy. The students were from Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS) and Kathmandu Medical College (KMC).
A three-day workshop on the same theme was held 26-28 December at Hotel view Bhrikuti in Lalitpur. It was attended by 40 leading physiotherapists practicing in government and non-government organizations, academic institutions, rehabilitation centers, corporate hospitals, and private clinics. The aim was to deepen the understanding of gender-related issues and GBV, particularly in the context of healthcare practices.
