Thank you for your interest in my return trip to Nepal.

I had the privilege to travel there 2 years ago and found that healthcare in the developing world was very hard to stomach. Thoughts can be found in the RTSO Spring 2008 newsletter - page 3 (http://www.rtso.ca/themes/acquia_marina/pdfs/spring08.pdf)

Through the help of respiratory therapy mentors and SickKids, I was able to bring a pocket spirometer to Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) and conduct a pilot lung function study with the traffic police in Nepal. (You can read more about that here.) The pocket spirometer is still in use by ENPHO researchers investigating various factors affecting lung function on people in rural and urban centres today.

Upon return, I partnered with other likeminded people to start a charity. We’re proud to say that Bringing About Better Understanding (BABU) is now a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency! BABU exists to improve child health/healthcare in Nepal. We achieve this through a) public education and b) empowerment of physicians and surgeons through knowledge share and equipment donations. We currently work through the newly founded International Friendship Childrens' Hospital (IFCH).  Please see abstract here. We now have 3 infant flow CPAP systems other equipment/education material through undisclosed hospitals, CareFusion, Gumbo Medical, Fisher & Paykel and STABLE Program. That being said, we are desperately in need of syringe pumps, ultrasound and invasive ventilators for their Neonatal/Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

If you think that you might be able to help in any shape or form that would be greatly appreciated. Through BABU, you can be certain that any donation will get to IFCH and be used to service those in most need. During my first visit, equipment that my friend and I acquired for the only government pediatric hospital in the country went mysteriously missing in less than 2wks. We have learnt our lesson and we now have a formal process to manage all donated equipment to ensure that it a) does not grow legs and b) remains in use.

Please feel free to forward my contact information to anyone who may be of help or is simply interested in global healthcare. Thank you for your time and attention. I appreciate any thoughts, comments or suggestions!

Hope you are having an excellent start to the new year! Please feel free to email me with any questions!