Kathmandu, January 27:

Bishnu Lal Maharjan sustained a spinal cord injury in course of the Jana Andolan II at Kalanki on April 20. He is still lying on a bed at the Kathmandu Model Hospital (KMH). Maharjan is now dependent on wheelchair and ventilator. As these instruments cannot be operated in his small house in Satungal, he has been stuck in the hospital.

Dr Shambhu Upadhyay, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Model Hospital and coordinator of the Janandolan injured medication committee, said Bishnu should intermittently be assisted by medical equipment throughout his life. Dr Upadhyay added, “Bishnu has not been sent home because these medical equipment cannot be used in his home.”

Bishnu, a father of three, can barely speak and his lower body parts have become absolutely useless. But the upper part of his body is functioning well. Bishnu used to run a tailoring shop at Satungal.

It has been closed ever since he was admitted to the hospital.

Shova Pandey, ward in-charge of the Neuro-Surgery department at the Kathmandu Model Hospital, said the tracheotomy tube inserted in his throat area for obstructed airway has hindered his regular voice.

“Bishnu is the first case in Nepal to be installed with a Phrenic-nerve pacemaker to make him breath on his own. We have managed to bring experts from Japan at a minimum cost, which would otherwise cost Rs 7.5 million in the USA,” said Dr Shambhu Upadhyay, adding that his physical recovery is good but he needs psychological counselling if he were to rest at home.

The hospital management and locals in his neighbourhood now have come up with a support group and are planning to bring him back home with appropriate facilities, said Dr Upadhyay.