Medicosnext
Professor Dr Madhu Dixit Devkota
She is the Executive Chairperson of Upendra Devkota Memorial National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences and the Founding Trustee of Upendra Devkota Foundation dedicated to continuing the legacy of her late husband.
A strong proponent of advanced medical technology, she has led the successful implementation of systems such as the Bi-plane Cathlab, O-arm imaging, the modern StealthStation S8 neuronavigation system, and a high-precision operating microscope—all working in seamless integration to ensure surgical accuracy and optimal patient outcomes. Dr. Devkota is also a passionate advocate for patient-centered care, community health education, and equitable access to healthcare, making her a transformative force in Nepal’s health sector.
As the recipient of the Sir Wylie McKissock Medal in London, the late Professor Upendra Devkota delivered a memorable address entitled “Setting up of the National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences: A National Need or a Personal Fantasy?” To me, the answer was always clear — the Institute was born from both his unwavering commitment to advancing neuroscience and the urgent need for specialised neurological care in the country he so dearly loved.
Shortly before his passing, we renamed the Institute in his honour as the Upendra Devkota Memorial National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences (UDM-NINAS), not as a posthumous tribute, but in recognition of his lifelong contribution to the development of neuroscience in Nepal. This was in keeping with his belief that pioneering work should be acknowledged during one’s lifetime. And so, Professor Devkota took his final breath in the very institute he founded, which bore his name and continues the work he had begun upon his return to Nepal as the country’s first neurosurgeon.
For me, beyond its name and walls, what he left behind is something even more enduring – a vision, a legacy, and a source of inspiration. I feel his presence every time I walk through the corridors he helped to build, or when I meet our young doctors, who carry his mission forward with purpose and pride.
Early Days at Bir Hospital
When Professor Devkota returned from the UK in 1989 as a neurosurgeon, he did not bring back wealth or fame. What he carried instead was a modest set of basic spinal and cranial surgical instruments, purchased with our personal savings, simply so he wouldn’t have to rely on the slow and cumbersome government procurement process at Bir Hospital.
At the time, the word “neurosurgery” held little significance in Nepal. CT and MRI scanners, and advanced neuro-navigation systems were distant dreams, as he didn’t even have access to a basic operating microscope. And so, Professor Devkota started from scratch. Some tools he bought himself, while others he sourced through the goodwill of colleagues and friends in the UK.
Where resources were scarce, innovation stepped in. He improvised with what was available locally, trained nurses to become the backbone of neuro-care, wrote clinical protocols from scratch, and bore the immense responsibility of delivering highly specialised care, largely on his own. Through sheer determination and vision, he not only made neurosurgery possible in Nepal but also made it respected, inspiring a new generation of young, ambitious doctors to follow the demanding path he had forged.
He was obliged to resign from the Bir Hospital upon being appointed Minister of Health, Science and Technology for the then His Majesty’s Government of Nepal, a role that laid bare the stark limitations of the public health system, where basic healthcare services were overstretched and reliant on donor support. The National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences became his answer, a bridge between what existed and what was possible. It stands today as a testament to his unwavering belief that Nepal deserved better and his willingness to build it himself, even at great personal financial risk and sacrifice.
The Fulfilment of a Vision
UDM-NINAS was conceived not merely as a hospital, but as a model institution founded on the principles of excellence, innovation, education, ethics, and best practice. Professor Devkota had the rare freedom to shape not only its physical infrastructure, but also the systems and standards that would govern its operations.
His vision was clear: a dedicated centre where neurology, neurosurgery, and allied specialities could coexist and collaborate seamlessly. A place where patients would receive comprehensive diagnostic, surgical, and rehabilitative care, all under one roof. Equally important, it was to serve as a training ground to nurture the next generation of neurosurgeons and neuro-specialists in Nepal.
Bridging Today and Tomorrow: Driving Neuroscience Forward
UDM-NINAS stands at the forefront of neurological care in Nepal, blending cutting-edge technology, multidisciplinary expertise, and a visionary legacy. As neurological diseases rise, the institute delivers.
Leading with Firsts: Technology That Transforms
UDM-NINAS has pioneered multiple “first-in-Nepal” technologies, reshaping how neurological conditions are treated.
Biplane Cath Lab
UDM-NINAS has undergone a remarkable technological transformation, emerging as Nepal’s leading neuro-specialty institute. The arrival of the first Biplane Cathlab, considered Gold Standard in the international community, marked a historic leap in neurovascular care. Having a Bi-plane unit means the procedures are safer for the patient and the doctors alike. There is reduced radiation and dye use along with faster and safer procedures. The Cathlab has ushered in an era of precision and minimally invasive innovations. Currently, UDM-NINAS is the only stroke and trauma ready hospital in the country offering all acute stroke care including MRI and Mechanical Thrombectomy round the clock.
Wired for the Future
Advancement in neurosurgery has meant installation of cutting-edge technologies that have made surgeries safer, more accurate, and less invasive. Tools like the O-arm that gives real-time 3D images, boosts precision in epilepsy surgery, deep brain stimulation (DBS) and helps doctors place implants or remove tumours with accuracy. Similarly, the Stealth Neuronavigation System works like a GPS for the brain and spine surgery, guiding surgeons to the exact location while avoiding critical structures and areas during surgery.
The KINEVO Zeiss microscope offers high-definition, 3D views of the brain and allows surgeons to operate with robotic precision and less strain. Meanwhile, Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) allows real-time tracking of brain, spine, and nerve function during surgery, enhancing safety, especially for high-risk procedures near the brainstem or motor cortex.
Together, these innovations have expanded not just the precision but also the scope of neurosurgery in Nepal, fulfilling a legacy of its founder.
Comprehensive, Patient-Centred Neuroscience
Staying true to its motto of “Patient First”, UDM-NINAS delivers a fully integrated continuum of care from cutting-edge diagnostics and surgery to rehabilitation and mental health support. It remains one of the few institutions in Nepal offering truly multidisciplinary, evidence-based care. Patients benefit from the collective expertise of:
▶ Neurologists
▶ Neurosurgeons
▶ Neuro-radiologists
▶ Neurocritical care specialists
▶ Physiotherapists
▶ Clinical psychologists and mental health professionals
This collaborative approach ensures patients receive not just medical treatment, but holistic, compassionate care tailored to their physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
A Legacy of Excellence, A Future in Flight
UDM-NINAS is more than just a hospital, it is a national asset and a living tribute to what visionary leadership can achieve. This is where a dream took root: to bring world-class neurological care to Nepal.
Today, it is where that dream takes flight, driven by innovation, powered by people, and grounded in a steadfast commitment to those it serves. UDM-NINAS is now a critical pillar of Nepal’s healthcare system, setting new standards for what’s possible in patient care, education, and technological advancement.
