This summer, I have the incredible opportunity to take part in a 4 week pharmacy placement in Kathmandu, Nepal!

For the first 3 weeks I will be working in a hospital alongside other healthcare professionals, learning about local pharmacy practice, including the use of traditional herbal medicines and modern drugs. I will be involved in counselling patients on how to take their medication and explaining side effects to be aware of. I will also have the opportunity to shadow doctors on their ward rounds and gain insight to all parts of the hospital including the dispensary, emergency department, outpatient department and operating theatres. During this time, I will also get to learn about the vital role that pharmacists play in the ongoing development of healthcare in the country and understand how to overcome challenges such as medication shortages and general lack of resources.

For my final week in Nepal, I will be going to a small rural village where I will live with a local family. Each day, I will work alongside the healthcare team at the local health post, where minor emergency services, checkups and vaccination programs are carried out. This will be particularly challenging as resources are extremely limited.

On weekends, I will have some free time to immerse myself into the culture of Nepal, exploring ancient temples, trying local cuisine and hopefully seeing some of the beautiful mountain ranges and so much more!

As most of my friends and family know, I am a 1st year Pharmacy Student at The University of Sunderland. This placement will enhance my knowledge and skills in fundamental areas such as communication and adaptability when interacting with patients. It will also give me a deeper understanding of the uses of medicines, particularly in an environment where resources are limited. I truly believe that this experience will make me a more compassionate, well-rounded future pharmacist, gaining knowledge and skills that will stay with me throughout my career.

All funds raised will go towards:

Any funds that exceed what is required for my trip will be donated directly to the hospital where I carry out my placement. I will purchase items most needed at the time and donate to the hospital/ department in need.

Any donation, no matter how small, would mean the world to me and will help make this opportunity possible.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and for supporting me on this journey — I’m incredibly grateful for every bit of support.

I can’t wait to share all my photos with you!

Lia❤️