INF’s Dr Shirley Heywood, a Gynecologist Surgeon, has been honoured with the 11th Swasthya Khabar Health Award for her contribution to Nepal’s Health Sector in Kathmandu on Friday, 8th September 2023.
This Award Ceremony was organised by Nepal Live Group’s Swasthya Khabar Patrika, Nepal’s pioneer health magazine, to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Nepal’s Hon’ble Prime Minister, Puspa Kamal Dahal, bestowed the awards to the winners.
The award ceremony was conducted under the theme ‘SDGs: Health and Well-being for All.’ The awards were presented in ten categories, and Dr Shirley won in SDG Goal 3.8 – Achieving Universal Health Coverage.
According to Siromani Dhungana, editor of Nepal Live Today, this award aims to recognise and reward the exceptional achievements of healthcare professionals whose work has had a tangible impact on the healthcare outcomes of our nation.
Dr Shirley, from England, leads the INF’s Fistula work in Karnali province. She found her second home in Nepal’s Karnali region. Her journey in Nepal with INF began in 2003 when she witnessed the dire healthcare conditions affecting women.
She encountered an adolescent girl with an obstetric fistula – a devastating childbirth injury. Driven by compassion, she trained herself in fistula treatment in Ethiopia and returned to Nepal, performing life-changing surgeries.
Her vision extended beyond doing medical camps. She aimed to establish a permanent hospital for fistula treatment. Today, thanks to her efforts and INF’s support, a 17-bed Fistula Centre in Surkhet treats hundreds of women annually.
Despite many challenges, Dr Shiley’s heart remains in Nepal, where she continues to provide hope, love, and healing to those in need.
We are thankful that our work is being recognised on this scale. We are proud of you Dr Shirley.
Nepal’s Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal honouring Dr Shirley
You can read more about Dr Shirley’s story here.
Watch the award distribution ceremony here, where Dr Shirley was honoured by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Nepal.