Medical College and Hospitals
Visions for Medical Education & Healthcare in Nepal
A Medical College and Hospitals in Nepal
Introduction & Executive Summary
The present status of healthcare in Nepal and around the world confronts multifarious challenges, encompassing impediments to access, escalating costs, and deficient infrastructure, among others. This is particularly pronounced among unreached people in the remote mo
A Medical College and Hospitals in Nepal
Introduction & Executive Summary
The present status of healthcare in Nepal and around the world confronts multifarious challenges, encompassing impediments to access, escalating costs, and deficient infrastructure, among others. This is particularly pronounced among unreached people in the remote mountains of Nepal, where those without sufficient resources face the most hardships in accessing healthcare.
Recent circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, surging outbreaks of Alzheimer's disease, the rise in the number of cancers in young people, and the proliferation of chronic ailments such as diabetes and hypertension have compounded these difficulties, underscoring the pressing need for compassionate and sustainable healthcare systems that can be responsive to dynamic circumstances and cater to diverse populations.
In response to the pressing need for improved healthcare services in Nepal, we would work with esteemed organizations such as the United Mission to Nepal (UMN.org.np) and International Nepal Fellowship (INF.org), in collaboration with the Christian Medical College & Hospital in Vellore, to establish a sustainable medical college and hospital in Pokhara, Nepal. For this noble project, we would partner with generous donors who have a profound love for the people of Nepal and a clear vision to significantly improve the country's healthcare system. The primary goal of this project is to provide high quality medical services to all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, with a particular emphasis on reaching out to those who are currently underserved.
This project will also leverage the potential of medical tourism, which will not only contribute to the sustainability of the system but also create employment opportunities for the local community. The proposed medical college and hospital will follow the sustainable healthcare model of CMC Vellore, India. Having trained several medical professionals from Nepal, CMC Vellore has been showing interest in helping establish state of the art medical institution in Nepal since past several years. CMC Vellore has proven to be successful in providing high-quality care to low-income patients while maintaining financial sustainability.
By embracing obliquity, paradoxicality, and frugality, we believe that this project has the potential to create a sustainable healthcare system that can serve as a model for countries around the world such as Nepal and the USA. With a focus on providing immediate solutions to people's felt needs, building trust, and creating value-based systems, this project aims to transform the healthcare landscape in Nepal, USA and beyond.
Joint Venture
The joint venture between United Mission to Nepal (UMN) and International Nepal Fellowship (INF) with financial aid from generous organizations in collaboration with Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, we aim to establish a sustainable, world-class medical college and hospital in Nepal. The project will leverage the expertise and resources of our partners to provide high-quality medical education and healthcare services to the people of Nepal, especially the poor and underprivileged.
The project will need support & collaboration of generous sponsors which is already doing exemplary work in Nepal.
Partnerships with CMC Vellore
Our partnership with Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, will be a key factor in making our medical college and hospital sustainable.
In a remarkable turn of events, something spectacular happened about 123 years ago in a neighboring country of Nepal. The story revolves around the life of Ida Sophia Scudder, a young American girl who attended Northfield Seminary in Massachusetts. Initially, her aspirations were directed towards marriage, settling down, and starting a family in the United States.
However, destiny had a different plan in store for her.
In her twenties, Ida embarked on a journey to a distant land, far removed from her familiar surroundings of the USA. Little did she know that her time spent there would be profoundly transformative. She had a life-changing experience on one fateful night that forever shaped her destiny when she witnessed the death of three women right in front of her eyes, one after another, each passing away during childbirth and there was nothing she could do to help as they could not get proper treatment and therefore died. Witnessing the death of the three women due to lack of proper medical care during childbirth left an indelible mark on her soul, and it compelled Ida Sophia to heed a higher calling and she was convinced that God wanted her to become a physician to be able to help those in dire need in the far away land.
In a striking resemblance to what a passionate person with love for people in need would do, Ida Scudder embarked on a path to something spectacular, coming back to the United States before delving into the realm of medical education. However, from this point onward, the course of Ida Scudder’s journey and the following illustration from the life of Ida Scudder offers us a glimpse into the path a noble would have taken.
Ida Scudder went on to enroll in a medical college in New York and eventually graduated from Cornell Medical College in 1899. Driven by a profound sense of purpose, she once again set her sights on the far away country, armed with a remarkable $10,000 grant (equivalent to an astounding $358,142.86 in today's currency) bestowed upon her by Mr. Robert Schell, a distinguished Manhattan banker, in loving memory of his wife, Mary Taber Schell.
Even though Ida Scudder did not come from a wealthy family background, she used the modest financial support to establish a humble medical dispensary and clinic in the town of Vellore. Within a mere two years, she was able to provide much-needed medical care to an astonishing 5,000 patients. Undeterred by the challenges she faced, Dr. Ida Scudder proceeded to establish the esteemed Mary Taber Schell Hospital in 1902, named as a tribute to the aforementioned wife of the distinguished Manhattan banker Mr. Robert Schell.
Recognizing the impracticality of single-handedly continuing her valiant mission to revolutionize healthcare in this distant land, Dr. Ida Scudder resolved to establish a medical school. Initially, she received a grant from the Reformed Church in America for the establishment of the medical school in Vellore. Over time, her vision gained the support of 40 mission organizations in the United States, as well as several local institutions, cementing the foundation of her transformative pursuit.
The story of the Vellore unfolds with a captivating allure as the medical school, once but a humble seedling, began its remarkable journey towards grandeur. Slowly and steadily, its foundations were fortified, and its aspirations soared to unimaginable heights. Her unyielding passion for healing, made her embark on numerous arduous voyages to the United States, traversing vast oceans in pursuit of a noble vision. We may never fully grasp the true magnitude of her struggles. The weight she carried, the burdens that pressed upon her weary shoulders, the sleepless nights that plagued her, and the countless sacrifices she made in the pursuit of her noble cause all exist as enigmatic fragments, veiled in the shadows of mystery beyond the realm of our imagination as she is no longer here to tell us.
She needed the funds for the ambitious expansion of the college and hospital. She had what she needed to captivate the hearts and minds of philanthropists from 40 mission organizations from the USA and various local entities, whose benevolent support would breathe life into her extraordinary vision.
Compelled by her unwavering determination, they eventually contributed the needed funds and services to her cause. Her tireless efforts and unwavering faith were slowly rewarded, helping her create an unshakable foundation for the blossoming medical institution. It took her several decades to establish an institution of Vellore's caliber—a world-class hospital paired with a distinguished medical college.
As time unfurled its relentless tapestry, decades slipped through her fingers like grains of sand in an hourglass. Each passing moment was laced with unwavering commitment and untiring labor.
A generation later, she says, "God transformed it into the world-class multi specialty medical super-center, the Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore" which currently is about ten times more competitive than Harvard and its hospital system is larger than Yale and Harvard medical centers combined and it is about several times more cost effective and yet profitable. In 2023 the medical school in Vellore is ranked as one of the largest charity hospitals in the world, with 3,200 beds, and its medical school is now one of the premier medical colleges in the world, a testament to human resilience and divine intervention.
The awe-inspiring Christian Medical College and Hospital in Vellore emerged as a testament to her indomitable spirit and her unwavering pursuit of excellence. Within its hallowed halls, the echoes of her resolute footsteps resonate, forever etching her legacy upon the annals of time.
In the grand tapestry of life, the extraordinary saga woven by Dr. Ida Scudder in Vellore over the course of several decades has now become a beacon of excellence that transcends the geographical borders and merges medical prowess with compassionate care to both the impoverished and the affluent, forging a path that is cost-effective and thus creating not only a sustainable legacy but also a sanctuary where the art of healing and the science of medicine reverberates through the very fabric of its existence; an irrefutable testament to the incredible power of human endeavor.
It is a vision that would undoubtedly ignite the fervor of someone whose life embodies an unyielding passion for such noble pursuits.
Sustainability and Serving the Poor:
Our medical college and hospital will be designed with sustainability in mind, both in terms of finances and operations. We will focus on developing cost-effective and efficient healthcare delivery models that are accessible to all, especially the poor and underprivileged. We will work closely with local communities to understand their healthcare needs and develop tailored solutions that are affordable and sustainable.
Role of Nepal Vision:
The Nepal Vision Inc. has a long-term development plan for Nepal and countries around the world, aimed at transforming the world as a whole into a prosperous and equitable society.
This project aligns with the Nepal Vision's goals of improving healthcare, creating employment opportunities, and establishing hospitals, clinics and Medical colleges and promoting medical tourism and sustainable development in Nepal. By working in partnership with variety of like minded organizations, we will be able to leverage all available resources & networks to make our project a success.
Opportunity for Medical Tourism:
Nepal is a popular destination for tourists, particularly American and European travelers who are attracted to the country's stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. With the establishment of a world-class medical college and hospital, we aim to attract medical tourists as well, who can receive high-quality, cost-effective healthcare services while enjoying a memorable vacation in Nepal. By tapping into the growing medical tourism market, we can create additional revenue streams and make our venture even more sustainable.
Our healthcare services will be designed to cater to the specific needs of medical tourists, with a focus on providing personalized, compassionate care that is sensitive to cultural differences. We will work closely with tour operators and travel agencies to promote our services to potential medical tourists, and provide a seamless experience that integrates medical care with travel and tourism.
Medical Tourism and Social Responsibility:
In addition to providing high-quality healthcare services to medical tourists, we are committed to using the profits generated from medical tourism to provide healthcare for the poor and underserved communities in Nepal. We believe that healthcare is a fundamental right, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to quality healthcare services.
We will work closely with local communities to identify their healthcare needs and develop tailored solutions that are affordable and sustainable. We will also invest in healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas, including the establishment of community health centers and mobile clinics. By doing so, we aim to create a healthcare ecosystem that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.
We are pleased to announce that we have already secured 40 to 60 acres of land in Pokhara for the establishment of the medical college and hospital. The location is strategically selected for its scenic beauty, accessibility, and potential for future expansion. The land is already zoned for medical and educational purposes, making it ideal for our venture.
In addition to the main campus in Pokhara, we plan to establish hospitals in urban areas such as Kathmandu to cater to the growing demand for healthcare services. We will also support satellite clinics and hospitals in rural areas to reach underserved communities. Our facilities will be designed to cater to the specific needs of our patients, with a focus on providing personalized, compassionate care that is sensitive to cultural differences.
Expansion of Sustainable Healthcare System:
The joint venture between UMN, INF, and generous donors in collaboration with Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, aims to establish a sustainable, world-class medical college and hospital in Nepal. We plan to use the strategy employed by CMC Vellore, which is an excellent model for achieving long-term goals of better healthcare outcomes.
CMC Vellore pursued programs that dealt with people's immediate felt need and built trust with the state-of-the-art hospital. Providing high-quality care to low-income patients seems contradictory, however, its good reputation allowed it to charge wealthier patients more and subsidize those in need. Discerning which expenses add value prudently and which don't allowed CMC to keep costs relatively low. The strategies of embracing obliquity, paradoxicality, and frugality are not novel in and of themselves, but applying them in a mutually reinforcing way creates new possibilities.
We plan to use similar strategies to establish sustainable healthcare systems in the United States and around the world. Our partnership with CMC Vellore will serve as a model for other institutions to follow, allowing us to provide high-quality medical education and training, enhance our clinical services, research capabilities, and community outreach programs.
We believe that it is possible to create healthcare ecosystems that are inclusive, equitable, and sustainable, and we are committed to making this vision a reality. The article in Harvard Business Review
(https://hbr.org/2020/09/when-business-as-usual-isnt-working-look-to-nonprofits-for-inspiration)
highlights the importance of looking to nonprofit organizations for inspiration in creating sustainable healthcare systems, and we intend to do just that.
Our goal is to provide high-quality care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, while also ensuring that our healthcare system remains resilient and sustainable during crisis times. We believe that the strategies employed by CMC Vellore can be applied in a mutually reinforcing way to create new possibilities for healthcare, and we are committed to making this a reality in Nepal, the United States, and beyond.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the joint venture between UMN, INF, and generous philanthropists in collaboration with Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, aims to establish a sustainable, world-class medical college and hospital in Nepal. Our project aligns with the Nepal Vision's goals of improving healthcare, creating employment opportunities, and promoting sustainable development.
We are committed to sustainability, social responsibility, and serving the poor and underprivileged. We will work closely with local communities to develop tailored solutions that are affordable and sustainable. By tapping into the growing medical tourism market, we can create additional revenue streams and make our venture even more sustainable. The profits generated from medical tourism will be used to provide healthcare for the poor and underserved communities in Nepal.
We look forward to creating a sustainable institution that will meet the healthcare needs of the Nepali people and attract medical tourists from around the world.
Current Health Situation in Nepal & its Vision for Future
Future of Healthcare in Nepal
Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring Himalayas, Nepal, with its population of nearly 30 million, is not only a country rich in culture and history but also one that faces numerous challenges, particularly in its healthcare system. Among the prominent concerns is the distressing doctor-patient ratio, which languishes at a level below 1 per 10
Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring Himalayas, Nepal, with its population of nearly 30 million, is not only a country rich in culture and history but also one that faces numerous challenges, particularly in its healthcare system. Among the prominent concerns is the distressing doctor-patient ratio, which languishes at a level below 1 per 1000 population—a far cry from the World Health Organization's recommended standard of 2.3 doctors per 1000 population. This disparity is even more pronounced in remote regions, exacerbating the healthcare accessibility crisis. Several factors contribute to the shortage of doctors, including inadequate investment in healthcare, the exorbitant cost of medical education, lack of adequate medical schools, and the brain drain of talented doctors who seek opportunities abroad. The dearth of doctors in Nepal has profound implications for its people. They are compelled to travel long distances to seek medical attention, enduring substantial wait times in the process. The scarcity of doctors also discourages individuals from seeking necessary healthcare, even when they are unwell. Moreover, the government's allocation of a meager portion of its budget to healthcare exacerbates the issue, as it cannot afford to employ a sufficient number of doctors to cater to the population's needs.
However, within this healthcare crisis , there is a silver lining, giving us a glimmer of hope. The shortage of doctors and the high cost of medical education in Nepal present an opportunity for transformation. By establishing world-class medical colleges and hospitals, we can enhance the country's healthcare system while generating employment opportunities for Nepali citizens. Additionally, we can provide advanced training to existing healthcare professionals, equipping them with the necessary skills in emerging medical technologies. In addition to significantly improving the health and well-being of the Nepali people, the establishment of world-class medical institutions in Nepal holds the tremendous potential to generate employment opportunities for its citizens. What makes this prospect even more captivating is the abundant pool of young talent that Nepal possesses. With a median age of 23 years, in stark contrast to the higher figure of 38-45 years in the United States and other developed nations, Nepal's youthful population represents an invaluable resource waiting to be tapped into. This demographic reality translates into a vast reservoir of potential healthcare professionals just waiting for the opportunity to contribute their skills and expertise.
By investing in the training and education of these talented young individuals in the field of healthcare, we can ensure a robust supply of doctors and nurses that meets the growing demands of the population. This strategic approach not only addresses the critical shortage of medical professionals but also positions Nepal as an alluring destination for medical tourism. The affordability of living expenses in Nepal, coupled with the availability of low-cost labor, makes the establishment and operation of a new medical school in Nepal a remarkably cost-effective endeavor compared to undertaking similar ventures in the United States or other developed countries. Embracing this exceptional opportunity would not only alleviate unemployment among Nepal's young population but also harness their potential to become leaders in the healthcare industry. It is a visionary path that not only promises to uplift the lives of the Nepali people but also positions Nepal as a beacon of hope and progress in the global healthcare landscape. This endeavor not only promises to improve the health of the Nepali people but also holds the potential to attract medical tourism due to Nepal's low cost of living and affordable labor.
Establishing and operating a new medical school in Nepal becomes considerably more economical compared to undertaking such a venture in developed countries like the USA.
The significance of addressing the shortage of doctors and nurses extends far beyond the borders of Nepal—it resonates with the global healthcare landscape, particularly in developed countries like the United States. As the world grapples with a severe scarcity of healthcare professionals, Nepal's journey towards achieving an ample workforce in this domain holds profound implications. By nurturing and cultivating a robust cadre of healthcare professionals within its borders, Nepal will not only fulfill the healthcare needs of its own citizens but also assume a pivotal role in alleviating the acute shortages experienced by countries worldwide. The global demand for doctors and nurses is immense, and Nepal's ability to supply these skilled individuals could be transformative, forging new partnerships and collaborations that transcend geographical boundaries.
Crucially, Nepal's competitive advantage in this realm lies in the comparatively low cost of training healthcare professionals. This factor renders Nepal an attractive destination for individuals seeking quality education and training in the medical field, without the exorbitant expenses typically associated with such endeavors in other parts of the world. Consequently, Nepal's affordable yet comprehensive education system paves the way for a rich talent pool of healthcare professionals, ready to embark on a journey of service and healing. In essence, Nepal's journey towards bridging the gap in its own healthcare workforce transcends its national borders, positioning the country as a beacon of hope and progress. By proactively addressing this global challenge, Nepal has the remarkable potential to not only meet the healthcare needs of its own people but also extend a helping hand to countries worldwide grappling with similar shortages. The emergence of Nepal as a prominent supplier of doctors and nurses would signify a triumph of humanity, illustrating the profound impact that a nation driven by purpose and passion can have on a global scale.
The improvement of Nepal's healthcare system is undoubtedly a complex challenge, but it is a challenge that demands attention. The well-being of the Nepali people hinges upon it. In recent decades, Nepal has witnessed a surge in for-profit medical institutes, yet this rapid proliferation, coupled with exorbitant fees and corrupt practices in student admissions, has dealt a severe blow to undergraduate and postgraduate medical training, leading to a decline in the quality of medical education and healthcare provision. Moreover, most current medical schools and hospitals in Nepal face financial mismanagement and substantial debts. The financial motives driving these private medical colleges have intertwined them with politics, resulting in disproportionate and unregulated licensing and affiliation, with insufficient emphasis on establishing institutions in rural areas. The increase in private medical colleges has ignited heated debates in national media, with particular concerns surrounding the politicization of their establishment. The unregulated and uncontrolled accreditation of these colleges, the lack of quality medical institutions in both urban and rural regions, exorbitant fees in government medical colleges, and the politicization of medical academia remain significant issues. The track record of the government, tainted by undue interference from private medical colleges, further complicates matters.
Shockingly, out of the total of 20 medical colleges in Nepal, a staggering 14 of them, accounting for 70%, are private and profit driven, with a staggering 40% confined to the Kathmandu Valley. Even among the remaining 12 medical colleges situated outside the valley, the majority have failed to establish meaningful collaborations with hospitals in the remote corners of Nepal. This regrettable situation exacerbates the already severe healthcare disparities experienced by those living in rural regions. Adding to the complexity, approximately 40% of medical students in Nepal originate from foreign countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, various parts of Europe, and neighboring countries like India. These students, unfortunately, are not available to practice in Nepal upon their graduation. Among the remaining 60% of local medical students, a significant number opt to settle overseas. For those who do stay within the country, the opportunities for specialization and residency training are extremely limited and come with exorbitant costs.
The surge in medical colleges, predominantly concentrated in urban areas and driven by profit motives, has proven largely ineffective in addressing the pressing needs of Nepal's remote and inaccessible communities. In a country where a considerable portion of the population resides in the remote mountainous villages, often deprived of essential medical care, it is imperative that medical training prioritize the welfare of the rural population by establishing collaborative relationships with hospitals in these far-flung locations.
What Nepal genuinely requires is the establishment of a world-class medical college and state-of-the-art hospitals, forged through partnerships with renowned institutions such as CMC Vellore for sustainability, Christian care, and other esteemed American medical centers for advanced healthcare provisions and integration of cutting-edge research and technologies, including artificial intelligence. These new institutions of medical excellence would strategically establish a medical college with collaborative hospitals both in urban centers and rural areas, aiming to rectify the existing imbalances in medical education and pave the way for an inclusive and high-quality healthcare system that caters to every citizen, regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic status. Instead of fostering competition among various medical schools and hospitals, our focus would be on fostering collaboration to ensure the best possible care for those in need, be it the local population or individuals seeking medical assistance through medical tourism from around the globe.
Hence, the establishment of a new world-class medical school and associated hospitals in Nepal stands as a resounding win-win scenario for all parties involved. It not only holds the promise of improving the health and well-being of the Nepali people but also presents a golden opportunity for job creation within the country. Furthermore, such developments would elevate Nepal's status as an attractive destination for medical tourism. Importantly, the positive impact of Nepali healthcare professionals would extend beyond their local contributions, as they would be able to lend their expertise to countries grappling with a shortage of medical practitioners. The establishment of these new institutions holds immense potential for the world at large.
In summary, the imperative task of establishing a new world-class medical school and state-of-the-art hospitals in Nepal goes beyond its intrinsic benefits. It transcends borders and presents an extraordinary opportunity to enhance the health and well-being of the Nepali people, foster economic growth, and position Nepal as a beacon of medical excellence. The world would undoubtedly reap the rewards as Nepali healthcare professionals extend their healing touch locally and abroad, bridging the gap where the shortage of doctors and nurses persists.
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Sustainable Legacy in Healthcare in Nepal
Dreams & Legacy
Replica of CMC Vellore like Center in Nepal
Replica of CMC Vellore like Center in Nepal
Most dreams remain mere figments of imagination, and countless visions fade into oblivion until someone takes action, infusing them with purpose and meaning.
It is through our collective efforts that we breathe life into our vision, bestowing renewed vitality to dreams. In doing so, we not only contribute to the realization of our profo
Most dreams remain mere figments of imagination, and countless visions fade into oblivion until someone takes action, infusing them with purpose and meaning.
It is through our collective efforts that we breathe life into our vision, bestowing renewed vitality to dreams. In doing so, we not only contribute to the realization of our profound vision, but we also become integral participants in a collaborative journey, united by shared ideals and unwavering determination.
Regardless of our individual identities or the stage of life we find ourselves in, our time on this earthly plane is transient, destined to merge with humanity's ultimate fate.
In the face of our mortal limitations, the flesh succumbs to the universality of death, its indifference resonating through lifelessness, and our isolation reflecting the poignant solitude of our final struggle.
Our supine bodies, twisted and with limbs askew, bear witness to the immutable passage of time.
While many of us may fade into the recesses of forgotten history once our time here concludes, some of our legacy will endure for generations to come, if we seize upon our vision or upon the vision of our loved ones.
For paramount vision stem from an all-encompassing love for those in dire need, bestowed upon us most likely by a divine hand. It is this kind of story that shall transcend the boundaries of time, erasing the tears of the suffering and filling us all with profound pride.
It is this kind of story that shall inspire multitudes to dream and envision a better world.
Such vision, dedicated to assisting the unreached people of countries like Nepal, manifests as a tapestry of dreams and goals.
By deconstructing these aspirations into tangible steps and meticulously crafting our plans backed by resolute action, our vision shall transition from the realm of dreams into tangible reality.
The advent of someone like us upon the mountains of Nepal can be a once-in-a-generation phenomenon, a convergence of fate and purpose.
Our ultimate vision, extending a helping hand to the unreached denizens of remote Nepalese mountains, could crown us as a "one-of-a-kind human" who, in the bloom of our youth, make one of the most noble decisions of our life—to devote ourselves to the upliftment of those in dire need.
We will not be here on earth always but when we are still here, we can find a way to connect with others to take actions on our behalf to honor our love for humanity.
Contemplating the establishment of a self-sufficient, world-class medical hospital and training center that caters to both the affluent and the underprivileged, mutually subsidizing one another, we could embark upon a quest to address the global healthcare crisis.
This contemplation, though a mere whisper, holds immense transformative potential.
The actions we may have taken so far may be more than what could be expected of us and people may be very proud of us for our outstanding contribution.
However, it would be such a joy the whole humanity if we could move forward a few more steps, but only if this is what we want to do for own sake or on behalf of our loved ones to improve health and medical care in Nepal and to create a sustainable legacy & a memory something that will transcend all expectations, surpassing the boundaries of what one might deem possible.
“Whoever we are, our time on this earth is limited
and eventually we become a part of humanity’s ultimate fate
and the state of our flesh would evoke death’s universality
and our lifelessness its indifference
and our isolation the loneliness of the final struggle
as our supine body will appear twisted,
legs crumpled,
head thrown back and
arms outflung.”
As scripted in an art at Metropolitan Museum of Art
Replica of CMC Vellore like Center in Nepal
Replica of CMC Vellore like Center in Nepal
Replica of CMC Vellore like Center in Nepal
Spectacular Scudder of Vellore
In a remarkable turn of events, something spectacular happened about 123 years ago in a neighboring country of Nepal. The story revolves around the life of Ida Sophia Scudder, a young American girl who attended Northfield Seminary in Massachusetts. Initially, her aspirations were directed towards marriage, s
Spectacular Scudder of Vellore
In a remarkable turn of events, something spectacular happened about 123 years ago in a neighboring country of Nepal. The story revolves around the life of Ida Sophia Scudder, a young American girl who attended Northfield Seminary in Massachusetts. Initially, her aspirations were directed towards marriage, settling down, and starting a family in the United States.
However, destiny had a different plan in store for her.
In her twenties, Ida embarked on a journey to a distant land, far removed from her familiar surroundings of the USA. Little did she know that her time spent there would be profoundly transformative. She had a life-changing experience on one fateful night that forever shaped her destiny when she witnessed the death of three women right in front of her eyes, one after another, each passing away during childbirth and there was nothing she could do to help as they could not get proper treatment and therefore died. Witnessing the death of the three women due to lack of proper medical care during childbirth left an indelible mark on her soul, and it compelled Ida Sophia to heed a higher calling and she was convinced that God wanted her to become a physician to be able to help those in dire need in the far away land.
In a striking resemblance to what a passionate person do, Ida Scudder embarked on a path to something spectacular, coming back to the United States before delving into the realm of medical education. However, from this point onward, the course of Ida Scudder’s journey and the following illustration from the life of Ida Scudder offers us a glimpse into the path a noble person would have taken.
Ida Scudder went on to enroll in a medical college in New York and eventually graduated from Cornell Medical College in 1899. Driven by a profound sense of purpose, she once again set her sights on the far away country, armed with a remarkable $10,000 grant (equivalent to an astounding $358,142.86 in today's currency) bestowed upon her by Mr. Robert Schell, a distinguished Manhattan banker, in loving memory of his wife, Mary Taber Schell.
Even though Ida Scudder did not come from a wealthy family background, she used the modest financial support to establish a humble medical dispensary and clinic in the town of Vellore. Within a mere two years, she was able to provide much-needed medical care to an astonishing 5,000 patients. Undeterred by the challenges she faced, Dr. Ida Scudder proceeded to establish the esteemed Mary Taber Schell Hospital in 1902, named as a tribute to the aforementioned wife of the distinguished Manhattan banker Mr. Robert Schell.
Recognizing the impracticality of single-handedly continuing her valiant mission to revolutionize healthcare in this distant land, Dr. Ida Scudder resolved to establish a medical school. Initially, she received a grant from the Reformed Church in America for the establishment of the medical school in Vellore. Over time, her vision gained the support of 40 mission organizations in the United States, as well as several local institutions, cementing the foundation of her transformative pursuit.
The story of the Vellore unfolds with a captivating allure as the medical school, once but a humble seedling, began its remarkable journey towards grandeur. Slowly and steadily, its foundations were fortified, and its aspirations soared to unimaginable heights. Her unyielding passion for healing, made her embark on numerous arduous voyages to the United States, traversing vast oceans in pursuit of a noble vision. We may never fully grasp the true magnitude of her struggles. The weight she carried, the burdens that pressed upon her weary shoulders, the sleepless nights that plagued her, and the countless sacrifices she made in the pursuit of her noble cause all exist as enigmatic fragments, veiled in the shadows of mystery beyond the realm of our imagination as she is no longer here to tell us.
She needed the funds for the ambitious expansion of the college and hospital. She had what she needed to captivate the hearts and minds of philanthropists from 40 mission organizations from the USA and various local entities, whose benevolent support would breathe life into her extraordinary vision.
Compelled by her unwavering determination, they eventually contributed the needed funds and services to her cause. Her tireless efforts and unwavering faith were slowly rewarded, helping her create an unshakable foundation for the blossoming medical institution. It took her several decades to establish an institution of Vellore's caliber—a world-class hospital paired with a distinguished medical college.
As time unfurled its relentless tapestry, decades slipped through her fingers like grains of sand in an hourglass. Each passing moment was laced with unwavering commitment and untiring labor.
A generation later, she says, "God transformed it into the world-class multi specialty medical super-center, the Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore" which currently is about ten times more competitive than Harvard and its hospital system is larger than Yale and Harvard medical centers combined and it is about several times more cost effective and yet profitable. In 2023 the medical school in Vellore is ranked as one of the largest charity hospitals in the world, with 3,200 beds, and its medical school is now one of the premier medical colleges in the world, a testament to human resilience and divine intervention.
The awe-inspiring Christian Medical College and Hospital in Vellore emerged as a testament to her indomitable spirit and her unwavering pursuit of excellence. Within its hallowed halls, the echoes of her resolute footsteps resonate, forever etching her legacy upon the annals of time.
In the grand tapestry of life, the extraordinary saga woven by Dr. Ida Scudder in Vellore over the course of several decades has now become a beacon of excellence that transcends the geographical borders and merges medical prowess with compassionate care to both the impoverished and the affluent, forging a path that is cost-effective and thus creating not only a sustainable legacy but also a sanctuary where the art of healing and the science of medicine reverberates through the very fabric of its existence; an irrefutable testament to the incredible power of human endeavor.
It is a vision that would undoubtedly ignite the fervor of someone whose life embodies an unyielding passion for such noble pursuits.