8th South Asian Neurosurgical Congress (SANC): Unlocking the Future of Neurosurgery in Kathmandu, Nepal

The 8th South Asian Neurosurgical Congress (SANC) is set to take place in Kathmandu, Nepal, from September 7th to 9th, 2023. This prestigious event, organized by the Nepal Neurosurgeon Society, aims to bring together experts in the field of neurosurgery from across South Asia. The summit is not just a milestone for Nepal but also a significant event for the entire South Asian medical community.

A Brief History of the Summit

• Origin: The South Asian Neurosurgery Summit was first initiated in Nepal in 1999.
• Frequency: This will be the third time Nepal is hosting the summit, with the previous instances being in 1999 and 2012.
• Challenges: The summit faced a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is now back on track.

The Current State of Neurosurgery in Nepal

According to Dr. Praveen Shrestha, President of the Nepal Neurosurgeon Society, Nepal currently has around 112 active neurosurgeons.

• Geographical Spread: About 50% of these neurosurgeons are based in the Kathmandu Valley, while the rest serve in various other parts of the country.
• Pioneering Work: Dr. Upendra Devkota initiated modern neurosurgery services in Nepal in 1988.
• Regional Disparities: While the eastern and Terai regions have a good number of neurosurgeons, the western and mountainous regions are still underserved.

Neurosurgeon-to-Population Ratio: A Comparative Analysis

• Nepal: 1 neurosurgeon for 1.5 million people
• India: 1 neurosurgeon for 10 lakh people
• Bangladesh: Similar to India
• Pakistan: 1 neurosurgeon for 5 million people
• Sri Lanka: 1 neurosurgeon for 8 lakh people
• Maldives: 1 neurosurgeon for 1 lakh people
• Bhutan: Still facing a shortage

The Role of Nepal Neurosurgeon Society

The society has been instrumental in:

• Education: Producing about ten neurosurgeons annually from various teaching hospitals in Nepal.
• Awareness: Conducting seminars and conferences related to neurosurgery across the seven provinces of Nepal.

Event Details

• Date: September 7th to 9th, 2023
• Venue: Kathmandu, Nepal
• Organized By: Nepal Neurosurgeon Society
• Target Audience: Neurosurgeons, Medical Professionals, Healthcare Providers, Medical Students, and Policy Makers

Why Attend?

• Cutting-Edge Research: Discover the latest advancements in neurosurgery.
• Networking: Connect with leading neurosurgeons and healthcare providers from across South Asia.
• Skill Enhancement: Participate in workshops and seminars led by experts.
• Policy Discussions: Engage in meaningful dialogues that could shape the future of neurosurgery in the region.

Agenda Highlights

• Keynote Speech by Dr. Praveen Shrestha: "The State of Neurosurgery in Nepal"
• Panel Discussion: "Closing the Gap: Neurosurgery Services in Rural Areas"
• Workshops: Hands-on training in modern neurosurgical techniques.
• Case Studies: Real-world applications and outcomes.

The Landscape of Neurosurgery in Nepal

• Pioneering Work: Learn about Dr. Upendra Devkota's groundbreaking contributions to modern neurosurgery in Nepal.
• Regional Disparities: Discuss the challenges and opportunities in extending neurosurgery services to western and mountainous regions.
• Neurosurgeon-to-Population Ratio: A comparative analysis across South Asian countries.