Tansen Mission
Hospital
Nepal, Asia
Origin Story & Hospital Summary:
Tansen Mission Hospital, located in the Palpa district of Nepal, was founded in the early 1950s as one of the first clinics in the country. Over the years, it has built a strong reputation among the Nepali people for providing high-quality healthcare. The hospital is situated in the town of Tansen, nestled on the side of Shrinagar Hill at an altitude of 4,593 feet, approximately 187 miles west of Kathmandu.Tansen Mission Hospital is a 165-bed facility that serves a population of over one million people, extending into nearby parts of North India. The hospital offers a comprehensive range of medical services including surgery, pediatrics, general medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, and dentistry. It also has specialized departments for orthopedic surgery, ultrasound, endoscopy, and echocardiography. The hospital features a burn unit and provides extensive community health services.
Technology & Capacity:
The hospital is equipped with modern medical technologies including ultrasound, endoscopy, and echocardiography machines. The clinical laboratory offers a variety of diagnostic tests. The hospital also has a pharmacy, physical therapy department, and a well-equipped dental clinic. Tansen Mission Hospital has an active post-graduate training program for physicians and clinical training programs for nurse anesthetists and midwives.
Church and Governance:
The hospital is operated by the United Mission to Nepal (UMN), a collaborative effort involving multiple Christian organizations. It has a strong spiritual ministry component, providing pastoral care and counseling services to patients and their families.
Training Opportunities:
Tansen Mission Hospital is a recognized training site for medical professionals. The Tansen Nursing School, established in 2000, trains certificate-level nurses. The hospital also offers training programs for MDGP resident doctors, skilled birth attendants, anesthetists, and counselors. Over 200 students train at the hospital each year, including medical elective students from various institutions.
Medical and Support Staff Needs:
General Surgery
Urology
Family Medicine
Internal Medicine
OB/GYN
Language:
The primary language spoken is Nepali, though English is used professionally. Many locals also speak their distinct dialects. For effective patient interaction, proficiency in Nepali is necessary.
Housing & Food:
The hospital provides housing based on job roles and availability. Accommodations are furnished with basic needs. Meals are available at a minimal cost at the guesthouse on the hospital compound, and local women can be hired to cook meals.
Travel:
Visitors typically fly into Kathmandu and then take a connecting flight to Bhairahawa, followed by a two-hour drive to the hospital. Public transportation within Nepal is not recommended, but a safe mission bus travels once a week from Kathmandu to Tansen.
Time Difference:
Nepal operates on Nepal Time, which is UTC+5:45.
People and Local Religion:
Nepalese society is hierarchical with strong Hindu roots, which influences the culture and worldview. Hinduism is the predominant religion, followed by Tibetan Buddhism. Christianity is practiced by less than 2% of the population.
Climate:
Nepal has a temperate climate with a hot monsoon season from June to September and a cold winter season from December to February. Temperatures in the main populated areas do not typically fall below 32°F, though higher altitudes experience snowfall.
Unique Challenges:
Common health issues include infectious diseases, maternal and child health concerns, and burns. The hospital faces logistical challenges due to its remote location and the need for reliable medical supplies and equipment.
Evangelism Opportunities:
The hospital emphasizes spiritual care, providing pastoral care and counseling services. The pastoral care team offers charity assessments, education for admitted children, free food for children and those with special nutritional needs, and spiritual care. The hospital's strong spiritual ministry complements its medical services.
For further details, visit the Tansen Mission Hospital website.