Medicosnext
Roshani Dangol
She is a Nursing Supervisor at the UDM-NINAS. With over 15 years of rich clinical and supervisory experience. Her expertise lies in acute patient care, communication and leadership, contributing significantly to quality improvement and patient-centered care.
Reena Shrestha
She is an experienced nursing professional with a Post Basic Bachelor in Nursing (PBBN) and a Fellows
In a landmark moment for Nepal’s healthcare system, nurses at the Upendra Devkota Memorial National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences (UDM-NINAS), Bansbari, Kathmandu, have set a new benchmark- organising the country’s first Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme dedicated exclusively to nurses on acute stroke management.
Held as part of the institute’s 20th anniversary celebrations under the theme “20 Years of Dedication, Innovation, and Hope,” the programme brought together more than 138 nurses from 43 hospitals across Nepal. The strong turnout reflected a growing national recognition: nurses are central to improving patient outcomes, especially in time-critical emergencies like stroke.
Why Stroke Care Matters
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. In such emergencies, every minute counts. Early recognition, rapid intervention, and coordinated care can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong disability.
This CME focused on exactly that- equipping nurses with the skills to act swiftly and effectively. Sessions covered early identification of stroke symptoms, emergency nursing interventions, stabilisation, referral systems, and early rehabilitation strategies.
As Prof. Dr. Madhu Dixit Devkota, Executive Chairperson, noted:
“This CME by nurses, for nurses- reflects our commitment to empowering those at the forefront of patient care. Strengthening nursing capacity is an investment in the future of healthcare in Nepal.”
A Unique, Multidisciplinary Approach
What made the programme truly distinctive was its collaborative design. Instead of siloed teaching, the CME brought together expertise from across disciplines- nursing, physiotherapy, dietetics, and clinical psychology, offering a holistic perspective on acute stroke care.
The key areas covered during the CME
- Neurological Basics and Introduction to Stroke by Reena Shrestha (Nursing Supervisor)
- Emergency Management and Initial Nursing Care of Stroke by Roshani Dangol (Nursing Supervisor)
- Psychological Support After Stroke Reecha Khadka (Clinical Psychologist)
- Frontline of Recovery: Critical Role of Nurses in Early Stroke Rehabilitation Kailash Ghimire (Physiotherapist)
- Nutrition Management in Acute Stroke Geeta Karki (Dietitian)
From nutritional management to psychological support and early rehabilitation, the sessions highlighted how coordinated teamwork improves recovery. The CEO of the hospital, Mr Milan Gurung, summed it up:
“Acute stroke management demands precision, speed, and teamwork to save lives. The importance of making resources available for this readiness cannot be overemphasised.”
Recognition and Impact
The initiative received strong endorsement from national professional bodies. The Nepal Nursing Council accredited the programme with 2.0 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points, underlining its academic and practical value.
Prof. Muna Kumari Thapa, President of the Nepal Nursing Council, praised the initiative:
“The participation of nurses from different hospitals was impressive. The knowledge gained here will directly improve the quality of patient care in everyday practice.”
Similarly, Prof. Chandrakala Sharma, President of the Nursing Association of Nepal, described the programme as “a commendable step toward uplifting nursing knowledge and practice.”
Nurses at the Centre of Change
This CME marks more than just a successful academic event. It signals a shift in Nepal’s healthcare culture. Nurses, often under-recognised despite being the backbone of patient care, are now taking leadership roles in education and clinical excellence.
The programme was entirely nurse-led and nurse-focused, creating a space for meaningful exchange, practical learning, and professional growth. As Matron Chhaya Devi Gurung reflected:
“This initiative strengthened nursing competencies in emergency stroke care while fostering pride, collaboration, and purpose among participants.”
Carrying Forward a Vision
The event also paid tribute to the visionary legacy of Prof. Dr. Upendra Devkota, whose belief in continuous learning and innovation continues to shape the institution.
By placing nurses at the center of academic and clinical advancement, UDM-NINAS is not only honoring that legacy but actively building the future of healthcare in Nepal.
Looking Ahead
As healthcare challenges grow more complex, the need for continuous professional development becomes increasingly urgent. This pioneering CME sets a powerful example for institutions across the country: investing in nurses is investing in better healthcare outcomes.
With stroke cases rising and emergency care demands intensifying, such initiatives are no longer optional, they are essential.
In empowering nurses with knowledge, confidence, and leadership, Nepal is taking a decisive step toward a stronger, more responsive healthcare system- one where every second, and every caregiver, truly counts.
