Interplast’s Nepalese partner Dr. Shankar Man Rai, now runs the Nepal Cleft and Burn Centre in Kathmandu and Interplast has worked closely with him for a number of years.
“Before the surgery began that September afternoon, the third and fourth fingers on Malla’s right hand were fused and tightly bent—made nearly useless.
As a toddler he knocked over a kerosene lamp, burning his hand badly
The X-ray the doctors held up to the window showed how the pull from the contractures had twisted his finger bones around each other…
Kamal Malla, one of Dr. Rai's patients, after surgery on his hand.
Interplast’s Nepalese partner Dr. Shankar Man Rai, now runs the Nepal Cleft and Burn Centre in Kathmandu and Interplast has worked closely with him for a number of years.
“Before the surgery began that September afternoon, the third and fourth fingers on Malla’s right hand were fused and tightly bent—made nearly useless. As a toddler, he knocked over a kerosene lamp, burning his hand badly. For 18 years, thick scars called contractures bound the two fingers together. The X-ray the doctors held up to the window showed how the pull from the contractures had twisted his finger bones around each other…
“Burns like Malla’s aren’t high up on the global health agenda, but they take a toll. In Nepal, the government estimates there were 56,000 serious burns and 2,100 deaths in 2008. For several decades Malla’s plastic surgeon, 61-year-old Shankar Man Rai has been on the forefront of a movement to bring more attention and resources to burn treatment and prevention in Nepal.”
Interplast not only provides free surgery to those who otherwise would not be able to access or afford it but also trains and mentors local Doctors, Anaesthetist’s, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals.
Imagine having to wait 18 years to have restored function in your hand like Kamal Malla! Please support the 9930 District Challenge to raise the $45000 needed to help many more restore function from acquired or congenital medical problems.
Your District Interplast Chair Elizabeth Wright (0272238921 or eliz.j.wright@gmail.com) wishes you a safe and happy Festive Season.
Make a donation on behalf of family and friends www.givealittleinterplast – remember to add 9930 Challenge in the comments box.