NIRI conducts senior citizen care training for health volunteers in Lomanthang, Upper Mustang

KATHMANDU: Nexus Institute of Research and Innovation (NIRI), with support from the Kalasha Foundation, Switzerland, successfully conducted a two-day training programme on senior citizen care for Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) in Lomanthang Rural Municipality, a remote area in Upper Mustang at an altitude of 4,000 metres above sea level. The training took place from May 13 to 14.

The programme forms part of an ongoing research project led by Dr Tulasi Acharya, Director of Social Sciences at NIRI and Principal Investigator of the study. The project aims to assess the quality of life of senior citizens in Lomanthang through a population-wide survey.

The training brought together all 27 FCHVs from the rural municipality’s five wards, alongside research assistants and municipal officials. Sessions were conducted by Dr Puspa Mani Kharal, General Physician and Project Manager at NIRI, and Suraj Parajuli, Administrative Officer and Co-Investigator.

The training covered emergency response for conditions such as suffocation, acute heart attacks, urinary retention, and acute abdominal pain. Participants were trained to observe physical and cognitive health indicators, including general appearance, skin colour, posture, alertness, and exhaustion. Practical demonstrations were conducted on Basic Life Support (BLS), including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), equipping attendees with essential skills for responding to medical emergencies. The programme also focused on community engagement and outreach, with the team visiting local communities, conducting general health check-ups for senior citizens, and informing residents about the research’s purpose and scope. Additionally, strategies for effective communication with senior citizens were discussed to ensure that FCHVs could provide both medical and emotional support.

This was the first training of its kind for all participating FCHVs. 

“It is important to conduct research on senior citizens to learn from their life experiences. In remote areas like Lomanthang, their needs and stories are unique,” said Parajuli, Co-Investigator of the project. “Through this initiative, we aim to assess their quality of life and provide evidence for meaningful policy recommendations. We believe this research will benefit both senior and younger generations,” he added.

“We are truly encouraged by the active participation of FCHVs and the effective coordination from the rural municipality,” said Dr Kharal, the training lead and Co-Investigator.

Dr Serena Hartmann, President of the Kalasha Foundation, commended the dedication of FCHVs and their commitment to the well-being of senior citizens.

Tenzing Norbu Gurung, Public Health Coordinator of the rural municipality, highlighted the importance of research in policy formulation, especially in high-altitude regions like Lomanthang.

Tashi Norbu Gurung, Chairperson of the rural municipality, reaffirmed the local government’s support for the research, praising NIRI’s initiative to bring attention to the lives of elderly citizens in such remote areas.

The training concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, recognising the dedication of all participants.