Steps2Walk, Nepal Mediciti hold foot and ankle deformity correction course for doctors

KATHMANDU: Steps2Walk, an international non-profit organisation, in collaboration with Nepal Mediciti Hospital, held a four-day 'Foot and Ankle Deformity Correction Course' from June 3 to 6. During the event, the hospital provided free surgical and treatment services to eight patients.

Held at Nepal Mediciti Hospital, the course brought together world-renowned foot and ankle specialists and trainee doctors associated with Steps2Walk. The programme combined educational presentations, patient assessments, surgical planning and live operations, and attracted participants from hospitals across Nepal.

Led by foot and ankle surgeon Dr Daman Jha, Nepal Mediciti’s Orthopaedic Department coordinated local arrangements. The international expert team included Dr Cristian Ortiz from Chile, Dr Rajesh Simon from India, Dr Manuel Sousa from Portugal and Dr Naren Gurbani from the United States.

At the opening ceremony, Nepal Mediciti Hospital Chairman Dr Upendra Mahato said the hospital had become a hub for ongoing learning and professional development. He added that progress in healthcare depended not only on infrastructure and technology but also on collaboration and the development of skilled personnel, and he thanked the international team for sharing their expertise.

Steps2Walk Executive Director and Founder Dr Mark Myerson welcomed participants and emphasised the shared aim of improving patient care through training, collaboration and service.

Dr Daman Jha highlighted the course’s significance for Nepal’s medical community and patients. He said, "This type of special foot and ankle deformity correction course was organised for the first time in Nepal, where young doctors got the opportunity to learn directly from world-class specialists through live operation sessions. Under the program, free surgery and treatment were provided to eight patients ranging from children to the elderly affected by complex foot deformities. Such programs will play an important role in developing high-level foot and ankle services in Nepal and benefiting more patients in the future."

The hospital said the first day focused on educational presentations and scientific sessions, the second day on patient assessments and surgical planning, and the third and fourth days on live surgeries. The hospital provided local coordination, management and technical facilitation for the international programme.

Steps2Walk, which provides free surgery, rehabilitation services and training in resource-limited communities worldwide, and Nepal Mediciti expect the initiative to strengthen Nepal’s capacity to treat complex foot and ankle conditions and to make specialist care more accessible in the future.