October 5, 2024

NEWS

On Ostomy Awareness Day, we are excited to announce that The Rose International Fund for Children (TRIFC) has committed $165,400 over the next four years to fund the creation of a comprehensive ostomy program in Janakpur, Nepal, in collaboration with Binaytara Foundation (BTF). The program will provide life-saving care and vital support to patients, particularly cancer survivors, who require ostomy surgeries and ongoing care.

An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening, called a stoma, in the body to allow waste to bypass damaged or diseased parts of the intestines or bladder. Ostomies are often required for cancer patients who undergo treatments that impair their digestive or urinary systems. A significant portion of ostomy surgeries are related to colorectal and bladder cancers. However, in many developing countries like Nepal, access to proper ostomy care is severely limited, leaving many patients without the necessary medical supplies, including ostomy bags, and the proper follow-up care to manage their condition that is highly susceptible to infection.

BTF will operate the ostomy program out of its existing cancer hospital in Janakpur and will expand the initiative to the new 200-bed comprehensive hospital that BTF is building in the city. These funds will help ensure that the necessary medical personnel, including a nurse, a radiologist, a surgeon, and other required staff, are hired and trained to manage the program and provide preoperative counseling, surgery, and postoperative medical care. In addition to staffing, the grant will fund community awareness initiatives to reduce stigma and discrimination, and the purchase of essential software and supplies including ostomy bags. Thanks to this grant, BTF will also provide training and outreach to other hospitals and medical professionals within Nepal to expand the knowledge and understanding of how to care for a patient with an ostomy as well as train the patient how to care for their ostomy

“The creation of a high-quality ostomy program is vital for cancer patients, especially in underserved regions like Madhesh Province in Nepal where there is no existing ostomy program for a state of nine million people. Without this surgery, many patients will face life-threatening complications or a drastically reduced quality of life,” said Rob Rose, president of TRIFC. “We are proud to partner with Binaytara Foundation to ensure that patients in Janakpur have equitable access to the treatment and care they deserve. This program will not only provide medical care but also bring much-needed awareness and education to the community.”

“Ostomy procedures are critical for many cancer survivors and others suffering from diseases that require the diversion of waste from the body,” said Dr. Binay Shah, president and co-founder of Binaytara Foundation.  “Thanks to the support from TRIFC, we can provide not only the surgery but also ongoing education and patient-centered care for a very sensitive experience to ensure patients are supported every step of the way,” said Tara Shah, executive director and co-founder of Binaytara Foundation.

Patients who do not have access to an ostomy procedure when needed, or who do not receive proper post-surgical care, can suffer from severe infections, dehydration, and in some cases, life-threatening complications. Unfortunately, the global lack of access to ostomy procedures leaves many patients vulnerable, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Even in areas where ostomies are performed, patients often lack the essential supplies and education needed to manage their condition, which can lead to isolation, severe health issues, and preventable deaths.

For patients who require an ostomy, the procedure can be life-saving but also life-changing. Ostomy bags are considered a form of disability, as they require regular maintenance and replacement. Patients often face social stigma, financial hardship due to the high cost of supplies, and emotional distress, which underscores the need for holistic programs and dignified care like the one TRIFC and BTF are building in Janakpur, Nepal.

About The Rose International Fund for Children (TRIFC)

The Rose International Fund for Children (TRIFC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to lift up Nepalese people living with disabilities and those that are disadvantaged so they can achieve their full potential. TRIFC partners with local and international organizations to provide much-needed resources and hope to disadvantaged people and people living with disabilities in Nepal. 

About the Binaytara Foundation: 

Binaytara Foundation (BTF) is a leading global oncology nonprofit organization and is dedicated to reducing cancer health disparities globally. As the organizer of the most continuing education cancer conferences in the US, we impact thousands of doctors and oncology/hematology practitioners to stay current on  cutting-edge treatments for their patients. As a leader in global oncology, we have partnered with governments in Nepal and India to establish global oncology programs to underserved communities. BTF is dedicated to working together to improve cancer care and patient outcomes.

Media inquiries:
Matt Lambert
Senior Marketing & Communications Manager
Binaytara Foundation
[email protected]