Celebrating Our Frontline Heroes: International Nurses Day 2026
This World Nurses Day we would like to say a huge thank you to all of our Nurses in Nepal, who care for our Gurkha veterans and their widows, ensuring that they live in comfort and with the dignity that they deserve. Here are the stories of just two of them…
Meet Mamata Dewan
Mamata has worked as a nurse at our Residential Home in Dharan for over seven years. She decided to work for GWT due to her affinity with our mission.
“I was deeply inspired by GWT’s mission to serve Gurkha veterans and their families. Joining GWT allowed me to combine professional nursing skills with a humanitarian purpose.”
Our nursing staff play a critical role in our Residential Homes in Kaski and Dharan, providing 24/7 specialist care for those who can no longer live independently. Their expertise allows our residents to live with respect and security.
Residents often suffer from chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis and COPD; age-related conditions like dementia, and terminal illnesses like cancer.
“We provide holistic care, medical treatment, emotional support, and assistance with daily living. Our goal is not only to prolong life but to ensure dignity and comfort in old age.”
Mamata is responsible for carrying out vital health checks on the residents. She administers medicines, assists with physiotherapy and ensures proper nutrition and hygiene. Beyond medical care, she spends time planning and executing physical and mentally stimulating activities for the residents, or just taking the time to chat.
“Offering companionship is often as healing as medicine. The most rewarding part is the bond I share with the residents. Their gratitude, stories of courage, and simple smiles make every challenge worthwhile.”
Although Mamata finds true purpose and belonging in the care she gives to each and every resident, there is one resident that stands out.
“Every resident is special. Among the many remarkable residents I adore, one elderly lady stands out as a true inspiration. Despite her age, she actively engages in art and handicraft, transforming ordinary plastic into beautifully woven chakatis (traditional sitting mats). Her work is not just creative—it is a powerful statement about sustainability and the future. By turning waste into something useful, she teaches all of us that even small acts can contribute to a cleaner, greener world.
What makes her even more special is her generosity. Every time an external visitor comes to the Residential Home, she insists on gifting them one of her handmade creations. Watching her work tirelessly with her hands, and then seeing the joy on visitors’ faces when they receive her gift, fills me with admiration.
In her, I see the spirit of the Gurkha community—resourceful, selfless, and kind”.
Meet Poonam Neupane
Poonam has worked as a Mobile Health Practitioner for The Gurkha Welfare Trust for over eight years. Her role sees her travelling out into the hills of Nepal to visit our Gurkha veterans and widows in their homes.
“When we visit a pensioner at home, we aren’t just checking in—we’re bringing the clinic to them. Our teams manage everything from routine vaccinations and blood work to the complex monitoring of chronic diseases. These visits are a vital opportunity to sit down with our veterans and their families, providing the health counselling and support they need to stay healthy and independent in their own homes.”
When Poonam arrives, she conducts a thorough check-up that looks at the whole person—not just their medical condition, but also their living environment and overall safety. After checking vital signs and performing a physical exam, she reviews medication and can even perform advanced tests like ECGs or blood work right there in the home. If new symptoms arise, she consults a doctor via a video link to provide immediate treatment. Before leaving, she spends time with the pensioner and their family, offering the health coaching and advice they need to manage their well-being at home.
While the care Poonam provides is a lifeline for our pensioners, the journey to reach them is often a feat in itself. In the rugged terrain of Nepal, the mission begins long before she reaches the patient’s doorstep.
“Road conditions are often challenging, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Many routes are unpaved and subject to seasonal disruption, which can significantly affect accessibility and travel time.”
The time it takes to reach each pensioner’s home can vary considerably, with some journeys taking just a few hours, and others days.
“The duration of travel varies depending on the beneficiary’s location. On average, it takes approximately three to four hours to reach a household within the local area. However our service delivery spans across seven districts, often requiring up to five working days to complete field visits with occasional travel extending into weekends. My longest journey to reach a pensioner has been approximately 470 kilometres each way from the Area Welfare Centre, crossing seven districts.”
Poonam’s dedication to the Gurkha community has a truly positive impact on the lives of those she cares for. “The support I receive has greatly improved my health and quality of life. Regular visits and timely medication have helped me manage my condition effectively and I feel reassured knowing that care is always within reach.” GWT Pensioner
From the 24/7 specialist care provided by Mamata in our Residential Homes to the multi-day journeys undertaken by Poonam in the field, our nurses are essential to the health of the Gurkha community. This International Nurses Day, we thank our nursing teams for their commitment and expertise.