क्याप्टेन मार्टिन गिलोटकोको सम्झनामा वहाँका परिवार र साथीहरु मिलेर आउँदो सेप्टेम्बर महिनमा बेलायतमा साइकल यात्रा गर्दैछन्। गोर्खा वेल्फेयर ट्रष्टले नेपालमा निर्माण गर्न लागेको श्री भगवती उच्च माध्यमिक विद्यालयको भवन निर्माणको सहयोगार्थ उक्त साइकल यात्राबाट करिब १५०,००० (बेलायती पाउण्ड) रकम सकंलन गर्ने अपेक्षा गरिएको छ।
मुलुक कोभिड कहरले आक्रान्त भैरहेको यस घडिमा यसको असर न्यूनिकरण गर्ने गोर्खा वेल्फेयर ट्रस्टको प्रयास स्वरुप मिती २०७८ साल जेठ १९ गते (2 June 2021) जिल्ला अस्पताल ओखल्ढुङ्गा रुम्जटारलाई ६ थान Oxygen Concentrator, ३० थान Oximeter र ३०० थान Full PPE set हस्तान्तरण गरिएको छ।
अन्य स्थानहरुमा पनि यस्ता सामाग्रीहरु वितरण गर्ने गोर्खा वेल्फेयर ट्रस्टको योजना रहेको छ।
नेपाल सरकारले मंगलबार जेठ २५ गतेबाट नेपालभरिका ६० देखि ६४ वर्ष उमेर समूहलाई COVID-19 विरुद्धको खोप दिने घोषणा गरेको छ। उक्त उमेर समुहका सम्पूर्ण पेन्सनरहरुलाई आफ्ना वडा, जन प्रतिनिधि, स्वास्थ्य चौकी तथा जिल्ला स्वास्थ्य कार्यालयहरुमा सम्पर्क गरि खोप लगाउने अवसर लिनुहुन अनुरोध गरिन्छ। खोप लगाउन जाँदा नागरिकता वा उमेर खुल्ने कुनै पनि सरकारी कागजात लिएर जानु होला।
६० देखि ६४ वर्ष उमेर समूहलाई लगाउन लागिएको खोप चीन सरकारबाट अनुदानमा प्राप्त Vero Cell खोप COVISHIELD भन्दा फरक भएको हुनाले COVISHIELD को प्रथम खोप लगाईसकेका व्यक्तिहरुले Vero Cell लाई दोश्रो खोपको रुपमा लगाउन मिल्दैन। यसबारे थप जानकारी लिनु परेमा वेल्फेयर सेन्टरमा सम्पर्क गर्नुहोला।
हाल COVID-19 संक्रमण बढ्दै गईरहेको परिस्थितिमा यदि तपाईंहरु यस सम्बन्धी सल्लाह लिन चाहनु हुन्छ भने हाम्रो AWC मेडिकल सेन्टरहरुको landline मा बिहान ८ देखि साँझ ५ बजेसम्म तथा कार्यालय समय बाहेक (साँझ ५ देखि बिहान ८ बजे सम्म या विदाको दिनमा कुनै पनि समयमा) अत्यावश्यक अवस्थामा GWT डाक्टरसंग तल उल्लेख गरिएको मोबाइल नम्बरमा सिधै सम्पर्क गर्न सक्नु हुन्छ।
कृपया अत्यावश्यक अवस्थामा मात्र उक्त मोबाइल नम्बरहरुमा सम्पर्क गर्नुहुन अनुरोध गरिन्छ।
हाम्रा सबै AWC मेडिकल सेन्टरहरुमा डाक्टर परामर्श (प्राय टेलिफोनबाट) तथा औषधि वितरण सेवा खुला रहेको जानकारी गराईन्छ। तपाईलाई COVID संक्रमण या कुनै स्वास्थ्य समस्या भएको खण्डमा सल्लाह या परामर्श लिन पहिला AWCमा फोन सम्पर्क गर्नुहोला। त्यस बाहेक वेलफेयर सम्बन्धी सेवा लिन पनि हामीलाई टेलिफोनबाट सम्पर्क गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ।
नेपाल सरकारले COVID-19 भ्याक्सिनको थप डोजहरू प्राप्त गरेको छ र हाल ६० बर्ष भन्दा माथि उमेरका सबैलाई खोप लगाउन नाम दर्ता गराउने प्रक्रिया शुरु गरेको छ। GWT, सबै पेन्सनरहरुलाई सरकारी खोप केन्द्रहरुमा आफ्नो नाम दर्ता गर्न र सरकारले प्रस्ताव गरेको खण्डमा कोभिड खोप स्वीकार्न प्रोत्साहन गर्दछ। GWT ले स्वास्थ्य मन्त्रालय मार्फत पेन्सनरहरूका लागि भ्याक्सिन उपलब्ध गराईदिन निवेदन दिएको भए पनि यसमा हामी सफल हुने ग्यारेन्टी दिन सक्दैनौं। अग्र पंक्तिमा खटिएका GWT का कर्मचारीहरूलाई नेपाल सरकारद्वारा खोप लगाइएको छ।
हाम्रा पेन्सनरहरूलाई पनि सरकारी खोप केन्द्रहरुबाट खोप लिई COVID-19 बाट सुरक्षा प्राप्त गर्ने अवसर लिन सक्दो चाँडो दर्ता गर्न हुन प्रोत्साहन गरिन्छ। तपाईंहरु बसोबास गर्ने इलाका अनुसार नाम दर्ता गराउने कार्यालय फरक हुन सक्ने हुनाले आ-आफ्नो वडा, जन प्रतिनिधि, स्वास्थ्य चौकी तथा जिल्ला स्वास्थ्य कार्यालयहरुमा सम्पर्क गर्न अनुरोध गरिन्छ।
नेपाल सरकारले ६० वर्ष उमेर भन्दा माथिका नागरिकहरुलाई फाल्गुन महिनादेखि COVID-19 भ्याक्सिन लगाउने घोषणा गरेको छ। हाम्रा पेन्सनरहरुकालागि GWTले स्वास्थ्य मन्त्रालयसंग उक्त खोप उपलब्ध गराइदिन अनुरोध गरेको छ भने यसबारे मन्त्रालयको प्रत्युत्तर पर्खिरहेका छौं।
२०७७ भाद्र २२ – गोर्खा वेल्फेयर ट्रष्टको (GWT) रुम्जाटार स्थित एरिया वेल्फेयर सेन्टरले ओखलढु·ा जिल्ला अस्पताललाई बिरामीहरुले प्रयोग गर्ने आठ थान बिस्तराहरु हस्तान्तरण गरेको छ। उक्त जिल्ला अस्पतालको आइशोलेसन वार्डले ओखलढु·ा लगायत सोलुखुम्बु र खोटाङ जिल्लाका बिरामीहरु हेर्नुपर्ने भएकोले वार्डको क्षमता बृद्धि (२०) गर्न सहयोग गरिएको हो।
ओखलढु·ाका प्रमुख जिल्ला अधिकारी, जिल्ला कोभिड संकट व्यवस्थापन समितिका (CCMC) अध्यक्ष तथा अस्पतालका प्रमुखले GWT लाई सहयोगको लागि धन्यबाद दिनुभएको छ।
कोरोना भाइरसको महामारी र लकडाउनको असर देशको सबै क्षेत्रहरुमा भैरहेको सर्वविदित नै छ। यस्तो असहज परिस्थितिका बावजुद हामीले बिगत ५ महिनामा ४,४५६ जना पेन्सनरहरुलाई वहाँहरुको घर-घरमै पुगेर सेवा दिन सफल भएका छौँ। विशेष गरेर दुर्गम गाउँहरुमा बसोबास गर्ने हाम्रा वेल्फेयर पेन्सनरहरुलाई भेटेर वहाँहरुलाई अत्यावश्यक स्वास्थ्य सुविधा र आर्थिक सहयोग पुर्याउन पाउँदा हामी एकदमै खुसी छौँ।
Dear Chairman and General Secretary Sahebharu,
General. It has been sometime since I last updated you. Since the last update, the national lockdown was lifted on 21 July causing a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases. The responsibility for dealing with outbreaks has been delegated to District Administrative Offices. GWT(N) is now witnessing multiple, locally imposed lockdowns at District and Municipality levels. This de-centralisation of the response has meant that we have had to delegate responsibility to AWCs to monitor and report the local situation, and to adapt their operating procedures in accordance with a framework of priorities and measures provided by the HQ. So far, Bagmati, Dharan, Damak, Butwal, Kaski, Syangja, Chitwan, Gorkha, Tanahun and Bheri have all been affected.
Impact on AWCs.
These local restrictions are affecting some of our AWC’s operations. However, even if local lockdowns are being re-applied, the AWCs are remaining open, and we are still providing essential/emergency medical, financial and welfare support to our pensioners at their homes where necessary. Where pensioners cannot reach the AWC, telephone consultations remain available.
Any decision to close an AWC will be taken by myself, and we will use our GWT(N) Website, Facebook page, Viber group and SMS group message service to get the information out to beneficiaries. However, this may happen at short notice. We strongly encourage pensioners to phone in advance before going to their AWC. We also encourage pensioners to inform their AWCs of their up-to-date telephone contact details.
Our capacity to deliver support and services following the increased COVID-19 threat is also affected by the need to shield some of our GWT(N) staff who have particular vulnerabilities due to age or pre-existing medical conditions. I hope you will understand the need for us to protect our staff.
The HQ started working from office when the lockdown was lifted, but due to a nearby cluster of COVID-19 cases, followed by the lockdown in Pokhara announced today, we are now Working from Home again until the local lockdown is lifted.
COVID Impact on Pensioners/Family. We are aware of two SPs’ wives in Kathmandu who have tested positive for COVID-We pray for their speedy recovery. It is highly likely that other pensioners and family members will get the virus. We encourage all beneficiaries to report by telephone to their AWC if they, their family member or warise tests positive on a PCR test. Although the Public Health authorities will take control of the situation and be responsible for treatment, GWT(N) will provide a monitoring and advisory service. It is also important that we know if they have recently visited an AWC or had contact with one of our staff, so that we can take the appropriate measures.
Monsoon Impact. We continue to monitor the effects of the monsoon on pensioners’ homes and livelihoods. We are using Hardship Grants where appropriate, and we can also now bid on central GWT funds to conduct an immediate house re-build where this is necessary. Two such cases have been approved in Chitwan and Phidim.
SMCs. The time limit for the submission of Secondary Medical Claims remains extended to 6 months until further notice. Please get the bills into the AWC if you can.
Projects. GWT(N) is still completing some of its Community Aid and AWC Infrastructure Projects from last Financial Year, but we have been allowed to carry forward the funding from last year to do this, so this will not affect our plans to do all the projects that we have planned for this year.
RWSP Activity.
As part of the DfID funded COVID Intervention Programme, RWSP continue to deliver Hand-wash stations, PPE and sanitation support to government and local health facilities dealing with COVID-19. They have done 122 locations so far and plan to do more.
RWSP have also had approval from DfID for a new 5 year programme of Water Projects and Disaster Risk Reduction activity, which will start from April 2021 at a total cost of £20M.
Summary. In summary, GWT(N) remains open for business to support our beneficiaries, but we haven’t gone back to “normal” yet! With our experience of the national lockdown, and with the authority to operate with Blue Plate vehicles, we are now adapting to local situations and reverting where necessary to the delivery of essential/emergency services. This is sustainable and we remain committed to providing the best possible service we can. However, we must operate in compliance with government and local guidelines, and we must also protect our staff so that they are able to support our beneficiaries. I sincerely hope that you will understand the constraints that we are operating under and will encourage your members to pay attention to the advice above (underlined) and be patient with any temporary reduction in our normal levels of AWC service. It is fairly obvious that this will go on for many weeks, and probably many months ahead.
Best wishes to all RAN and Regimental members.
Stay safe, and stay in touch with our AWCs.
Elton
Elton Davis
Field Director
Gurkha Welfare Trust (Nepal)
Dear Community Leaders and et al.,
I hope you, your community and pariwars are all safe and well. Do take care as the resurgence of the virus in various parts of the UK and around the world is of great consternation for all of us.
Having enquired directly with UKVI with regards to those who have ILR/ILE who need to return to the UK within two years to validate their visa but have been unable to do so due to COVID-19, Ru Smith, Entry Clearance Officer, from UKVI has come back to us with the following statement:
“This an area that Mark (Hayman) – SEO Gurkha Lead has been looking at and will circulate guidance on as soon as it is agreed in the UK. His last update stated:
‘I have raised this with policy leads again today and highlighted the urgency of the situation. There is currently work ongoing between various commands including Border Force, Nationality and our legal department to try to find a solution. It is quite a complex area of policy as it is cross-cutting…. as soon as I receive this I will provide some more information, and hopefully there will be a solution available soon’.
In the meantime we can only advise former Gurkhas in this situation that it is being looked at as a matter of urgency.
Hopefully this will all be resolved soon and guidance circulated. Sorry I can’t give you a definitive answer at this stage.”
Needless to say, we will disseminate an updated guidance forthwith to all concerned as soon as we receive it. In the meantime, please do circulate this email to all your respective members and to those in your contacts. For 30 day visa, the information I sent out on my last email still applies.
For those returning to the UK from abroad, attached is a list of countries that do not need to self-isolate . If you want more detailed information go to this website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents#helpline
गण्डकी प्रदेश स्वास्थ्य निर्देशनालय तथा गोर्खा वेल्फेयर ट्रस्टको सहकार्यमा म्याग्दी जिल्लाको बाढी पीडित केहि स्थानहरुमा अत्यावश्यक स्वास्थ्य सामग्रीहरु पुर्याउन सफल भएको छ। उक्त ईलाकाहरुमा मोटर बाटो तथा कुनै स्थानमा पैदल मार्गहरु पनि पहिरोले अवरुद्ध भएको छ। आर्थिक सहयोग दिनु भएका कादुरी संस्था (Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association) लाई धेरै धन्यवाद !
आर्थिक वर्ष सन् २०१८/१९ बाट गोर्खा वेल्फेयर ट्रष्टले वेल्फेयर पेन्सनरहरुका लागि प्रत्येक वर्ष १०० वटा नयाँ भूकम्प प्रतिरोधि घरहरु निर्माण गर्दै आइरहेको छ। स्मरण रहोस्, सन् २०१५ सालको विनाशकारी भूकम्प पछि ट्रष्टले सन् २०१८ को अन्त्य सम्म करिब १,१०० नयाँ भूकम्प प्रतिरोधि घरहरु निर्माण गरिसकेको छ। बेलायती जनताको आर्थिक सहयोगका कारण हामीले ती वीर भू.पू. गोर्खालीहरु तथा तिनका विधवाहरुलाई स–सम्मानका साथ जीउन सहयोग गर्न सकिरहेका छौं।
यस आर्थिक वर्ष पनि योजना अनुरुप निर्माण कार्यहरु भईनै रहिरहेको थियो तर मार्च महिनाको अन्त्यतिर कोरोना माहामारीको कारण देशभर लकडाउन लागू भएसंगै निर्माण प्रक्रियाहरु स्थगित भए।
देशभर लकडाउन लागू हुनु अगावै केहि घरहरको निर्माण सम्पन्न भइसकेको थियो। तथापी, ती नयाँ घरहरुमा हाम्रा वेल्फेयर पेन्सनरहरु सरिसक्न भ्याएका थिएनन्।
लकडाउनको अन्त्य भएको घोषणासंगै ती वीर वीर भू.पू. गोर्खालीहरु तथा तिनका विधवाहरु आफ्ना परिवार सहित नयाँ भूकम्प प्रतिरोधि घरहरुमा सर्न सफल भएका छन्। सन् २०२० सालको अगस्ट महिनासम्म १०० वटा भन्दा बढि घरहरुको निर्माण सम्पन्न गर्ने लक्ष्य राखिएको छ भने आर्थिक वर्ष सन् २०२०/२१ मा पनि यहि संख्यामा नयाँ घरहरु बनाउने गोर्खा वेल्फेयर ट्रष्टको योजना रहेको छ।
राइफलम्यान कोंखबहादुर राई
७ गोर्खा राइफल्सका (7th Gurkha Rifles) कोंखबहादुर राईले मलाया, बोर्नियो र ह·क·मा सेवा गरेका थिए भने उनी बोर्निओ संघर्षमा पनि खटिएका थिए।
सन् २०१५ को भूकम्पले क्षति पु¥याएको काठ, माटो र ढुङ्गाले बनेको पुरानो धरमा कोंखबहादुर आफ्नी श्रीमती दुतीमणी सँगै बस्दै आएका थिए।
दम्पती बस्ने गाउँ निकै दूर्गम भएकोले स्थानीय रुपमा उपलब्ध सामग्रीहरु तथा काठको ब्यान्डि· प्रयोग गरी धर निर्माण गरिएको छ।
शुभ माया राई
शुभ माया राई स्व. राइफलम्यान जसबहादुर राईका विधवा हुन्, जसले दोस्रो विश्वयुद्धमा लडेका थिए। उनी रुम्जाटारको हाम्रो वेल्फेयर सेन्टर नजिकै बर्नालु गाउँमा आफ्नो नाति र नातिनीसँग बस्छिन्।
भान्सा र दुई वटा कोठा भएको नयाँ घर तथा शौचालय ब्लक पाएकोमा उनी धेरै खुसी छिन्।
सुख माया राई
सुख माया राईको स्वर्गीय श्रीमान् दोस्रो विश्वयुद्धमा बेलायती सेनाको साथ सेवा गरेका थिए। सन् २००१ मा उनको श्रीमान्को स्वर्गबास भए पछि पनि हामीले सुखमायाको हेरचाह गरि रह्यौं, उनलाई मेडिकल सेवा तथा आर्थिक सहयोग प्रदान गर्दै आइरहेका छौं।
नयाँ घर बन्नु अघि उनी भूकम्पले क्षतिग्रस्त पुरानो घरमा एक्लै बस्ने गर्थिन्। नयाँ भूकम्प प्रतिरोधि घरमा बस्न पाँउदा उनले सुरक्षित महसुस गरेको र अत्यन्तै खुशी भएको बताउँछिन्।
बल्भा राना
बल्भा रानाका स्व. श्रीमान् राइफलम्यान राबे रानाले बहादुरीका साथ बर्मा तथा जम्मू कश्मीरमा सेवा गरेका थिए। उनलाई १९३९–४५ युद्ध पदक ९ज्ञढघढ (1939-45 War Medal), जीएसएम १९४७ (GSM 1947) र भारत स्वतन्त्रता पदक (India Independence Medal) बाट सम्मानित गरिएको थियो।
आफ्नो माहिलो छोरोका परिवार संगै बस्ने बल्भा रानाको घरमा नौ जना सदस्यहरु छन्। उनीहरुको पुरानो घर बाँस, माटो र छप्परोले बनेको थियो जुन बर्खामा चुहिने गर्दथ्यो।
Dear Chairman and General Secretary Sahebharu,
With the recent change in the national lockdown, I thought it would be timely to update you on GWT(N)’s intentions. The key message is that COVID-19 is still a significant risk to our staff, beneficiaries and communities. We strongly encourage everybody to be cautious and to minimise any exposure to the threat of infection. Despite the changes in the national lockdown policy, our beneficiaries will see nosignificant change at AWCs or in our services.
– We expect an increase in requests for medical appointments. We therefore request all pensioners to be patient as we deal with this demand.
– We will continue to screen and record all visitors to AWCs and we will continue to apply social-distancing and “no-contact” protocols at the AWCs and during home visits.
– Our medical staff will still offer telephone consultations, as well as face-to-face consultations where these are considered necessary.
– There is no change to the availability of medicines from the Pharmacies.
– We will offer services for Record Office, Pension and GSO enquiries.
– We encourage pensioners to hand in SMC bills. The extension for the submission of SMC bills (from 3 to 6 months) will remain in force for the time being.
– The RHs will remain locked down, but this will be regularly reviewed as the situation develops.
– The WP pension paying programme remains unchanged. We are strongly encouraging pensioners to open bank accounts. We will pay pensions at the AWCs, or at home if the pensioner cannot reach the AWC.
During the lockdown, we have recruited more doctors and medical staff for the AWCs, and we still have some more to recruit.
The HQ will resume office working from Monday, 27th July.
The majority of water, school and AWC infrastructure projects have either already been completed or are ongoing.
We are monitoring the effects of the monsoon on our beneficiaries. Only a small number of cases have been reported so far. On investigation, these have been dealt with locally using Hardship Grants. We have immediate access to UK funds in case of a major impact on a pensioner’s home.
In case of local or national COVID-19 outbreaks we are ready to re-impose stricter measures, and revert to the provision of essential services to beneficiaries if necessary. However, we may have to shield some of our staff who have underlying medical conditions. This may reduce rural AWC staff capacity, but the Key AWCs will reinforce if necessary.
I hope this is useful information for your members. Please feel free to circulate it. Similar information has been placed on our website and other social media platforms.
Please stay safe!
Best wishes from all at GWT(N).
Elton
Elton Davis
Field Director
Gurkha Welfare Trust (Nepal)
Dear RAN Chairman and General Secretary Sahebharu,
With the recent Government announcement of Phase 1 of the relaxation of the lockdown, I thought it would be timely to provide you and your members with a quick update on GWT(N)’s response. It also provides some advice to your members; similar messages are being posted on the GWT(N) Website, Facebook and Viber Group. As always, please feel free to distribute this update.
In general, GWT(N)’s operation will not significantly change during Phase 1. Key points to note are as follows:
1. Until further notice, GWT(N) will continue to deliver medicines and welfare pensions to beneficiaries by home visits as we have been doing during the lockdown.
2. Telephone consultations at AWCs will continue as before, but there are procedures in place for face-to-face consultations if required and advised by our medical staff.
3. We encourage pensioners with hospital bills to present these to AWCs as soon as possible.
4. Pensioners with other enquiries are strongly requested to phone the AWC before visiting.
5. Cash-paid Welfare Pensioners are encouraged to open bank accounts and provide AWCs with the account details.
6. We have moved our Residential Home (RH) staff into the RH Compounds and isolated the staff and the residents from all external contacts, including from the local AWC staff. We feel this is the best way of protecting our potentially vulnerable residents.
7. Similar procedures are in place at AWC Darjeeling, but with additional compliance with local regulations.
8. All of our operations will continue to comply strictly with screening procedures, social distancing and infection-prevention protocols, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
9. All GWT(N) beneficiaries are strongly advised to:
– Minimise travel outside of the home for essential activities only
– Avoid congested gatherings, locations and transport.
– Maintain social distancing and good hand-washing and cleaning regimes – especially when shopping.
– Wear a face-mask or similar covering.
Separately, you may wish to be aware of the following progress on Community Aid projects by our RWSP staff and the Project Cell:
– RWSP have now completed 85 out of 110 water projects for this year, including 22 completed during the lockdown. 20 projects are ongoing, but 4 drilling projects in the Terai remain suspended due to the COVID risk, and one project is yet to start. Together, these projects will benefit 7,000 households and 40,000 beneficiaries.
– RWSP have also been funded by DfID to assist the Government’s COVID efforts. So far, they have operated across 6 provinces, 28 Districts and 26 Palikas, and provided direct/indirect support to over 3,000 beneficiaries. They have supported 53 health facilities, 14 Government institutions, and 17 Quarantine Centres. This includes: PPE distribution at 41 sites, WASH facilities (hand washing stations) at 37 sites and WASH advocacy at 17 sites. Work at a further 39 sites is planned, including at 13 Quarantine Centres.
– Project Cell’s status for this Financial Year is as follows (with efforts ongoing to re-start all suspended projects ):
# Major Schools: All 3 projects have re-started with estimated completion dates of 31 Jul, 15 Aug and 14 Sep
# Community Halls: 1 project is completed. The other is ongoing and is estimated to complete on 30 Jun
# Minor School Extensions: 2 completed, 2 re-started/ongoing and 2 suspended. Estimated completion by mid Sep
# School refurbishments: Only 7 out of 27 remain incomplete, but only require site visits and preparation of completion reports.
# Welfare Pensioner Home Re-Builds: 60 completed and 52 currently suspended. Estimated completion by end Sep, but we are ensuring that roofing work is completed before the monsoon.
Although the lockdown has delayed many of this year’s projects by 2-3 months, we are confident that we can still meet our targets of 2 Major Schools, 12 Minor Schools, 27 Refurbishments and 100 WP Homes for the next Financial Year.
In summary, GWT(N) remains committed to doing the best we can for all our beneficiaries under these difficult circumstances. However, we are also concerned that the relaxation of the lockdown may increase the risk of the virus spreading to our staff and beneficiaries. We therefore encourage everyone to be extra-cautious. The lockdown is relaxing; but COVID-19 is not!
I sincerely hope that you, your members and all families stay safe and healthy.
Best Wishes,
Elton
Elton Davis
Field Director
Dear RAN Chairman and General Secretary Sahebharu,
Despite the worsening COVID-19 situation in Nepal and the continuing lockdown, I can assure you and your members that GWT(N) remains active and committed to providing financial, welfare and medical support to our beneficiaries and communities. The following is a summary of our latest situation:
– Our programme of AWC field deployments to pensioners’ home for medicine distribution, medical intervention and pension paying continues unabated. Since the lockdown started we have deployed on approximately 400 field visits during which we have visited nearly 1,500 pensioners.
– Telephone consultations with Doctors and medicine distribution at AWC pharmacies remain available. Over 2,500 consultations and distributions occurred in May.
– We are assisting BGN PPOs with the payment of cash-paid Service Pensioners where needed.
– Our Project Cell has re-started construction work on 3 Major Schools, 2 Community Halls, one Minor School and some of our 100 Homes projects. We have also continued work on the demolition of the old AWC Chitwan building.
– RWSP has now completed 75 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects out of 110 for this year. 11 projects have been completed during the lockdown. 32 projects are on-going, with 3 yet to start. None of our projects are currently suspended.
– RWSP’s COVID Intervention Programme (which is providing WASH support and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to designated COVID Hospitals and Quarantine/Isolation Facilities) has completed 49 out of the 80 projects currently planned. More projects are being identified, and sufficient funds are available to cope with an expansion in scope. This includes providing additional PPE to AWCs to donate to local district hospitals and authorities.
– We held a Medical Board on 26 May and approved payment of all 18 cases for Secondary Medical Claims above the Maximum Refund Rate of 2 Lakh. The final Medical Board for this Financial Year is planned on 7 July to sweep up any remaining claims.
– Our Staff in RH Dharan are now living on site and the residents/staff are isolated from any external contact (including with AWC staff) in order to provide the best possible protection to our residents. We are prepared to do the same at RH Kaski in case the threat of COVID infection in Pokhara increases.
So although Nepal may be partially paralysed by the lockdown, GWT(N) remains mobile and as active as ever, and all our activity is being carried out in accordance with strict guidelines for screening, social distancing, use of PPE etc.
Please pass this information onto your members if you so wish. I am happy to provide any clarification if required.
Please stay safe and well.
Best wishes.
Elton
Elton Davis
Field Director
गोर्खा वेल्फेयर ट्रष्ट (GWT) ग्रामीण खानेपानी तथा सरसफाई कार्यक्रमले (RWSP) कोशी अस्पताल विराटनगरलाई स्वास्थ्यसामाग्रीहरु तथा २ थान ह्याण्ड वास पोइन्ट, कोभिड अस्पताल विराटनगरलाई १ थान ह्याण्ड वास पोइन्ट, पोखरा स्वास्थ्य विज्ञानप्रतिष्ठानलाई ३ थान ह्याण्ड वास पोइन्टहरु र विपी कोइराला स्वास्थ्य विज्ञान प्रतिष्ठान धरानलाई स्वास्थ्य तथा सरसफाई सामग्री हस्तान्तरण गरेको छ।
कोशी अञ्चल अस्पताल विराटनगरलाई उक्त सामाग्रीहरु २०७७ बैशाख २९ गतेका दिनमा हस्तान्तरण गरिएको थियो भने अस्पतालका मेडिकल सुपरिन्टेन्डेन्ट डा. संगीता मिश्राले उक्त ह्याण्ड वास पोइन्टको महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका रहने बताउनुभयो।
त्यसै गरि २०७७ बैशाख २६ गतेका दिन पोखरा स्थित स्वास्थ्य विज्ञान प्रतिष्ठानका उप कुलपति डा. बुद्धि बहादुर थापा को उपस्थितिमा एक समारोह बिच उक्त ह्याण्ड वास पोइन्टहरु हस्तान्तरण गरिएको थियो। वहाँले गोर्खा वेल्फेयर ट्रस्टले गरेको सहयोगको लागि खुसि तथा हार्दिक कृतज्ञता ब्यक्त गर्नु भएको थियो।
विपी कोइराला स्वास्थ्य विज्ञान प्रतिष्ठान धरानलाई पनि २०७७ वैशाख ३१ गतेका दिन स्वास्थ्य तथा सरसफाई सामाग्रीहरुप्रतिष्ठानका उप कुलपति डा. ज्ञानेन्द्र गिरीको उपस्थितिमा प्रतिष्ठानलाई हस्तान्तरण गरिएको छ।
विश्वव्यापी रुपमा फैलिएको कोरोना भाईरसको रोकथाम तथा नियन्त्रणका लागि DFID नेपालको आर्थिक सहयोगमा GWT RWSP को COVID-19 Intervention Programme अन्तर्गत ती ह्याण्ड वास पोइन्ट तथा स्वास्थ्य सामाग्रीहरु वितरण गरिएको हो।
२३ बैशाख २०७७ – गोर्खा वेल्फेयर ट्रष्ट (GWT) ग्रामीण खानेपानी तथा सरसफाई कार्यक्रमले (RWSP) धरान उपमहानगरपालिका, लाङ्घाली सामुदायिक वन समुह (धरान) र धौलागिरी अञ्चल अस्पताललाईलाई स्वास्थ्य तथा सरसफाई सामग्रीहरु (मास्क, ह्याण्ड वासिङ लिक्विड, रबरको पन्जा, सेनिटाइजर, सेफ्टी रबर बुट आदि) प्रदान गरेको छ।
DFID नेपालको आर्थिक सहयोगमा संस्थाको “COVID–19 Intervention Programme” अन्तर्गत उक्त सामग्रीहरु धरान उपमहानगरपालिका र लांघाली आवास गृहमा संयुक्तरुपमा धरानका मेयर प्रमुख तिलक राई र उपमेयर मन्जु भण्डारी सुवेदीलाई हस्तान्तरण गरिएको थियो। यसको साथ–साथै संस्थाले ५ सय लिटर क्षमताको टंकीसहित लांघाली आवास गृहमा ३ ठाउँमा ह्याण्डवास प्वाइन्ट पनि स्थापना गरिदिएको छ जसमा खुट्टाले थिचेर लिक्विड ह्याण्ड वास र पानीको धारा खोलिने सिस्टम रहेको छ।
खुट्टाले थिचेर लिक्विड ह्याण्ड वास र पानीको धारा खोलिने सिस्टम।
त्यसै गरि सोही दिनमा बागलुङ स्थित धौलागिरी अञ्चल अस्पतालका कार्यकारी मेडिकल सुपरिन्टेन्डेन्ट डा. प्रदिप श्रेष्ठ तथा अस्पताल व्यवस्थापन समितिका सदस्य शालिकराम शर्मालाई संस्थाले स्वास्थ्य तथा सरसफाई सामग्रीहरु हस्तान्तरण गरेको छ।
It has been some time since I last updated you on what GWT(N) has been doing during the lockdown. Please see my latest update below. There has been no radical change in what GWT(N) and the AWCs have been doing since I last updated you, but there are some notable updates and activities. As always, I am happy for you to share this with your RAN Members, and for it to be disseminated wider to regimental members.
General
A major effort has taken place over the last few weeks to pay our cash-paid WPs at the 5 key AWCs and their Patrol Bases, and also at a small number of the remote AWCs. This has been done together with our medical staff delivering medicines.
We are ready to deal with the next stage of COVID-19 transmission in the community if/when this happens. GWT(N) is committed to continue providing the current range and levels of service that we are delivering today, even if there is a much larger outbreak of COVID-19 in Nepal.
Our pensioner-facing GWT(N) website is now working and we are responding to questions using the feedback facility provided. We will develop and improve the website as we progress and with your help. You can reach the website at the following link: https://gwtnepal.org
Our staff at RH Dharan are now all accommodated at the RH and we have effectively sealed the RH from all external contact in order to provide the best possible level of protection to our residents. This was done in response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the east. The same level of risk is not yet identified in Kaski, but our RH Staff there are prepared to move into the RH if/when this becomes necessary.
We are preparing plans and priorities for how we return to normal when the lockdown is relaxed and/or lifted. Obviously, our intention will be to resume our normal services as quickly but as safely as possible. We are expecting that there will be a particular high demand for:
Medical Appointments at Key AWCs.
Secondary Medical Claims.
Enquiries for Record Office, PPO, and GSO matters.
We will do our best to deal with any surge in the demand, but I would request your members to be patient if the demand exceeds our capacity and results in delays, backlogs and longer waiting times. I can assure you that we will be operating at “best effort”!
The GWT Board of Trustees meets (virtually) on Wed, 6 May. They will review and approve the Budget for FY 20/21. This is a difficult time for the charity sector in UK generally, and there are understandable concerns about how the current crisis will affect the Trust’s income. Thankfully, GWT is in a better position than many other charities, so we are hopeful that most of our proposals will be approved, particularly those which directly support our beneficiaries. I will write to you separately to inform you of the key outcomes, and we will also place this information on the GWT(N) Website.
Thanks to all Regimental Associations for assisting us in our effort to clarify the Service Pension statistics to help inform the GWT Strategic Review. Your help is much appreciated.
GWT(N) is also planning a survey of SPs/OFPs to get feedback on what you think of our current GWT(N) services and what your long term expectations and aspirations are for GWT(N). We have a provider ready to conduct the survey on our behalf, based on a questionnaire that we have developed. Our preference is to conduct the survey of approximately 1500 SP/OFPs at AWCs, but we also have a back-up plan (if the lockdown continues for a long time), to do the survey by telephone. Deputy Field Director will coordinate and keep you informed.
Medical
Normal telephone consultations and pharmacy services remain available, with duty cover over the weekends. We have also provided medical support and medicines to a substantial number of UK-based pensioners who have found themselves stranded in Nepal.
Doctors from AWC Kaski provided assistance to Gandaki Province Health Department, by operating the “Hello Doctor” hotlines for a week. We are working with Kathmandu Municipality to do the same there.
With funding from KAAA, we have also sponsored a new member of staff in Gandaki Health Department to assist with the messaging and reporting of the COVID situation within the Province.
Welfare
AWCs have conducted over 340 field deployments since the lockdown started, during which they have visited over 1200 pensioners for the delivery of welfare pensions, medicine and medical equipment.
Community Aid
All School projects, WP House builds, and AWC infrastructure work remain suspended. However, it will be our first priority to re-start these projects as soon as we can, and hopefully before the monsoon starts.
RWSP were able to re-start most of their water projects. Only 6 projects remain suspended. 30 projects have re-started, and 9 have already been completed during the lockdown, bringing the total number completed this year to 69.
RWSP have also started to provide Water, Sanitation and Hygiene support as well as distributing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to hospitals and facilities in Pokhara and Dharan/Biratnagar. This is part of the UK DfID funded initiative to provide support to the Government of Nepal. RWSP are ready to extend this support to a further 20 hub hospitals and gaun palika isolation facilities once they receive approval from the Government for the freedom of movement that they need to get to these locations.
Summary
I hope you will agree that GWT(N) is delivering the best possible support to our beneficiaries and also to the Government in these difficult and challenging circumstances. We will continue to do this for as long as is necessary. We hope to resume “business as usual” at the earliest opportunity, consistent with the Governments’s instructions and guidelines. We have been fortunate so far to have the freedom of movement to provide our essential services – but this is also down to the determination, professionalism and perseverance of our staff.
Good luck and good health in the weeks ahead. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or the Deputy Field Director.
Best wishes and salaams.
Elton Davis
Field Director
Gurkha Welfare Trust
१७ बैशाख २०७७ – DFID नेपालको आर्थिक सहयोगमा “गोर्खा वेल्फेयर ट्रस्ट, ग्रामिण खानेपानी तथा सरसफाई कार्यक्रम (RWSP) को COVID–19 Intervention Programme” अन्तर्गत GWT, RWSP ले पोखरा महानगरपालिका कार्यालय र पोखरा स्वास्थ्य विज्ञान प्रतिष्ठानलाई PPE, Infrared Thermometer, N95 Mask लगायतका व्यक्तिगत सुरक्षा सामाग्रीहरु हस्तान्तरण गरेको छ।
सो सामाग्रीहरु पोखरा महानगरपालिका कार्यालयका उप मेयर मञ्जु गुरुङ तथा पोखरा स्वास्थ्य विज्ञान प्रतिष्ठानका डीन डा. नरेन्द्र विक्रम गुरुङको उपस्थितिमा कार्यालयको परिसरमा हस्तान्तरण गरिएको थियो।
उक्त कार्यक्रमहरुमा दुबै पोखरा महानगरपालिका तथा पोखरा स्वास्थ्य विज्ञान प्रतिष्ठानका प्रतिनिधिहरूले गोर्खा वेल्फेयर ट्रस्टले गरेको सहयोगको लागि खुसि तथा हार्दिक कृतज्ञता ब्यक्त गरेका थिए।
PPE, Infrared Thermometer, N95 Mask लगायतका व्यक्तिगत सुरक्षा सामाग्रीहरु हस्तान्तरण गरिदै। ।
पोखरा स्थित गण्डकी प्रदेश स्वास्थ्य निर्देशनालयले संचालनमा ल्याएको “हेलो डाक्टर” भन्ने निशुल्क परामर्श लिन सकिने टोल फ्री नम्बर (टेलिफोन न. १०९२) मा GWT का डाक्टरहरु बैशाख ७ देखि १३ गते सम्म खटिएर त्यहाँ फोनमा आएका COVID बारेका जिज्ञासाहरुको उत्तर तथा सल्लाह दिने काम गरेका छन्।
गण्डकी प्रदेश स्वास्थ्य निर्देशनालय स्थित संचालनमा ल्याइएको “हेलो डाक्टर” बुथ
COVID बारे आम नागरिकका जिज्ञासाहरुको उत्तर तथा सल्लाह दिंदै GWT का डाक्टर
General:
All AWCs remain open for business! In recent days, the enforcement of the Lockdown has increased, but so far, I am pleased to report that our movement in support of critical medical and welfare visits has not been interrupted, so we are still getting out to those pensioners in urgent need of medicine delivery or pension payment and we will continue to do so. We still encourage warises to visit AWCs rather than the more vulnerable pensioner in person.
We are minimising staff movement to the minimum essential. All the HQ Staff are all working from home.
Should the situation in Nepal escalate to the next stage of transmission in the community, GWT(N) is ready to continue providing the current range and levels of service, but we will do so with additional medical protection protocols. In order to reduce the risk of cross-infection and reduce staff movement, we will also accommodate all essential GWT(N) staff on site at Key AWCs, particularly our Residential Home staff.
We will soon be launching a pensioner-facing GWT(N) website, where we will provide up to date information on our situation and services. Details will be published separately in due course.
Medical:
We continue to provide Doctor telephone consultations, and pharmacy prescriptions by SMS or through collection at AWCs. We maintain an “on-call” doctor at weekends at all Key AWCs should any emergency consultations be required.
We have relocated elements of the Secondary Medical Claims cell to AWC Kaski. Claims are still being processed, although we have obviously seen a reduction in the number presented. Our Finance Team paid all the approved claims yesterday to banks. We expect a surge of claims when the Lockdown is eventually is lifted, and there will inevitably be delays in dealing with this surge. I remind you that we have extended the time limit for SMC claims from 3 to 6 months.
Welfare:
We have continued with our welfare pension paying programme for cash paid pensioners, even though the numbers turning up are smaller than normal. By paying 6 month’s pension, we can be assured that recipients will be financially secure for the months ahead. It would be a lot easier if everyone was bank paid, but we have had some success in moving some pensioners onto the bank paid scheme. We have also used the IME service to pay some remote pensioners (where these services are available), and we have a number of other options available to us to get pensions to our WPs.
Community Aid:
All Community Aid projects (Schools, WP House builds, RWSP projects and AWC infrastructure) remain suspended. The current RWSP Programme has been extended until March 2021, and will include some short-term Water and Sanitation assistance to COVID Hospitals and Isolation Units in up to 20 Gaun Palika in Provinces 1, 2 and 4.
Summary:
GWT(N) and our staff remain committed to supporting pensioners in need. We have adapted quickly, and are working closely with CDOs and local authorities to ensure that we have the ability and freedom to operate in support of those most in need. We are ready to continue doing so for the weeks and months ahead, and in particular if the situation in Nepal deteriorates.
I sincerely hope you stay safe and healthy in these unsettling times, and that you are reassured and satisfied with what GWT(N) is doing for the veteran community. Please let me or Hem Saheb know of any concerns that you may have.
Best wishes and salaams.
Elton Davis
Field Director
Gurkha Welfare Trust (Nepal)
हाम्रा कतिपय पेन्सनरहरुलाई सामान्यतया पनि वहाँहरुको घरमै गएर अत्यावश्यक स्वास्थ्य सुविधा दिनुपर्ने हुन्छ। हाल कोरोना भाइरस संक्रमण फैलनबाट रोकथाम गर्न नेपाल सरकारले जारी गरेको Lockdown निर्देशन पालना गर्दै पेन्सनरहरुको घरसम्म यात्रा गर्न हामीलाई केहि असहज भएतापनि स्थानिय प्रशासन तथा सुरक्षाकर्मीहरुले हामीले पुर्याउने सेवाको महत्व बुझ्नु भएर हामीलाई यात्रा गर्न दिइरहनु भएको छ।
यसरि यात्रा गर्दा GWT का कर्मचारीहरुले नेपाल सरकारले जारी गरेका सबै संक्रमण निवारण निर्देशनहरुको आज्ञापालना गरिरहेको छन्।
नेपाल सरकार, स्थानिय प्रशासन तथा सुरक्षाकर्मीहरुद्वारा दिइरहनु भएको सहयोगको लागि हाम्रा सेवाग्राहीहरू तथा कर्मचारीहरुको तर्फ बाट हामी वहाँहरुलाई हार्दिक धन्यवाद दिन चाहन्छौं।
हाल कोरोना भाइरस माहामारीको असहज परिस्थितिमा पनि हाम्रा सहकर्मीहरु बिरामीको अवस्थालाई हेरेर वहाँहरुलाई अत्यावश्यक स्वास्थ्य सेवा पुराउन खटी रहेका छन्। बिरामीको स्वास्थ्य अवस्था र आवश्यकता हेरी वहाँहरुलाई सेवा पुर्याउन हामि तत्पर छौँ।