Early Days and International Contributions

Patan Hospital stands as a pioneering institution in the development of anesthesia services in Nepal. In its early days, the country faced a shortage of anesthesiologists, prompting doctors from various countries to visit Patan Mission Hospital (formerly Shanta Bhawan) every three months. These visiting doctors made substantial contributions to the Anesthesia Department, enabling the successful performance of complex surgeries such as thoracotomies, craniotomies, and nephrectomies.

Relocation and Continued Advancements

After relocating to Lagankhel in 1982, Patan Hospital continued to advance its anesthesia services. German doctors trained many anesthesia assistants through the Nick Simons Institute and provided training to nurse anesthetists who became integral to the department. During this period, the hospital relied on a single Boyle’s machine and used tools like precordial and esophageal stethoscopes and manual sphygmomanometers for patient monitoring.