KATHMANDU, March 13 – Nepal has concluded its inaugural Advanced Training and Training of Trainers (TOT) program in Retrieval Medicine, a landmark initiative aimed at boosting emergency medical capacity.

The program, held from March 23 to 27 at Nepal Mediciti Hospital in collaboration with Scotland’s Emergency Medical Retrieval Service (EMRS), trained doctors, nurses and paramedics in helicopter rescue and the safe transfer of critically ill patients.

Hospital officials said the training included practical exercises on patient positioning, in-flight care and secure transport. International experts from Scotland, Switzerland, India and Japan shared their expertise during the sessions.

Mediciti’s Emergency and High Altitude Services chief Dr. Sanjay Karki said the program would add new dimensions to Nepal’s airlift and patient transfer services. Chief Executive Officer Dr. Amit Tomar added that the initiative would make healthcare workers more proficient in emergency management.

According to the hospital, 90 percent of participants were doctors from public and private institutions, alongside 30 nurses and paramedics.

Participant Dr. Pratiksha Pradhan said the training not only enhanced individual skills but also prepared attendees to train others. “We gained deeper knowledge on how to provide safe treatment before patients reach hospital care during accidents or emergencies,” she said.