The DHCT was set up in 2011, inspired by the work of The Duncan Hospital. What’s happening there – the care provided, the lives changed, and the dedication of the people involved – is the very reason this charity began.

It’s a story that spans continents, built on unexpected connections and a shared determination to make a difference. And yes… there is a Scottish link in there too – but we’ll leave that for another post. Or you can head to our About page now.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing more across our Facebook and Instagram pages. We’ll talk about how it all came about, introduce some of the people behind DHCT, and explain why this work continues to matter so much.

If you’d like to follow along and learn more, we’d love you to connect with us on social media. Please do give us a like and a follow – it really helps us spread the word and reach more people.

Thank you for being part of our journey

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Dr Watson last visited The Duncan Hospital during the November 2024 trustees’ trip for the inauguration of the new nursing school and his enthusiasm for the work being done there remains as strong as ever. The Duncan Hospital has that effect on people!

It’s always encouraging to see such genuine interest in the ongoing work of the DHCT, and we’re delighted to keep sharing the journey. Here’s to more conversations that connect our local community with the remarkable efforts taking place in Bihar.

If you would like to donate to the Asha Street Kids School project click here now to go to our Just Giving Page

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It’s wonderful now to see the new nursing school alive with activity, filled with students making full use of this modern, purpose-built facility. The difference it has made to the trainee nurses’ experience is truly inspiring, providing bright, well-equipped classrooms, practical training spaces, and a learning environment that matches the dedication of staff and students alike.

From the rooftop of the nursing school, the structure of the forthcoming Nursing Accommodation Block is already visible – the exciting next phase in improving facilities for nursing students and staff. This new accommodation will make an enormous difference to daily life, helping to attract and retain talented young people who come from near and far to train here at The Duncan.

Joining Prof Mackay on this visit are Dr Brian Davidson (rheumatologist), Dr John Schulga (retired paediatrician), and Dr Ali Schulga (retired community paediatrician). Together, they are spending time observing the hospital in action, meeting staff, and gaining a deeper understanding of the community that The Duncan serves.

It is always encouraging to see how our supporters’ generosity continues to help transform The Duncan Hospital – teamwork that links the hospital and its many supporters around the world.

Donate to our current fundraiser here

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The older sponsored nursing students have finished their internal assessments and are now hard at work preparing for their final board exams this October – (we wish them all luck)

Meanwhile, some of the first-year students enjoyed a well-deserved break with their parents and friends before returning to their studies.

Nursing classes have now moved into the new Clanton Nursing Block. Followers may remember our Trustees’ visit in November 2025 to open this amazing building – so it’s fantastic to see the students now learning and thriving there. Excitingly, longer-term plans have been launched to upgrade the School to a College and introduce a B.Sc. Nursing program.

The photos also capture a Nutrition Practical Demo – another step in the nurse’s training journey.

The students send their warm greetings, and we pass them straight on to you – all of our wonderful supporters, because it is your generosity that makes all this possible.

To donate to our latest fundraiser – https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/asha-street-kids-project

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Dr Finny was in the UK to attend a medical conference, but took time out of his schedule to travel north and visit DHCT trustees Dr Graham and Karen Watson and Jackie Mackay. During his visit, Dr Watson gave him a whistle-stop tour of Stirlingshire, including visits to local hospitals, Dunblane Cathedral as well as to The Giving Tree – the local Dunblane charity shop that has done an incredible job of raising funds for us over the past year.

Dr Finny received a warm welcome here and shared uplifting updates on the latest developments and projects at The Duncan as well as thanking them and explaining just how much their donations are helping to make a difference to staff and patients at the hospital.

We’re hugely grateful to Dr Finny for his ongoing support for The Duncan and for taking the time to visit us at DHCT.

And as always, thank you to everyone who continues to support this vital work.

Our latest fundraiser is to help support the Asha Street Kids School at The Duncan – donations are welcome here.

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On our recent visit to The Duncan, we had the privilege of meeting several of these remarkable young women – and now one young man – whose lives are being transformed by this opportunity. Many come from poor backgrounds in India and Nepal, where education, especially for girls, is often out of reach. Without your help, none of them would have been able to afford this training.

Hearing their stories – where they’ve come from, what this means for their families, and how much it matters to be at The Duncan – was truly moving. In a region where early marriage and limited opportunity are the norm for young women, this training is life-changing. It opens doors not only to careers in nursing but to dignity, independence, and hope.

We were also honoured to attend the inauguration of the new Clanton Academic Nursing Block, a beautiful and vital addition to the hospital that will support generations of future nurses in their learning and professional growth here.

But this post is really for YOU – our supporters. 

😊 Thank you for believing in this work.
😊 Thank you for investing in the future of these students.
😊 Thank you for helping us change lives – one nurse at a time!

Please consider a donation (click here now) to our new project at The Duncan in support of the Asha Street Kids School

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Two years after digging in a foundation stone locals have watched this huge building slowly rise above the skyline until, one bright Bihar morning, its inauguration brought together staff and special guests from all over the word. They came to celebrate not only a milestone in healthcare education at The Duncan but also one that will have a positive influence over a huge region. Cathy Ratcliff, representing EMMS International, was also present to mark the success of this enormous project, which she and her team meticulously project managed.

Global Success Powering Local Change

The Clanton Nursing Academic Block stands as a testament to the power of global collaboration. It was made possible thanks to a mix of donations to the DHCT and funds made available by the success of the Internal Brace, the groundbreaking ligament treatment invented by Prof Mackay. Now revolutionising ligament repair worldwide, Internal Brace royalties provided a huge financial boost to this ambitious project.

Jackie Mackay reflected on the significance of the building, saying, “This isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about building a brighter future for the girls, and boys who will become nursing students and the patients they’ll care for. It’s deeply moving to see it all come together.”

Prof Mackay added, “It’s wonderful to see how the success of the Internal Brace has rippled outward to create something so meaningful here in Bihar. This building represents hope and opportunity for so many.”

Named in Honor of Dr. Thomas Clanton

The building’s namesake, Thomas Clanton MD of the Steadman Clinic, played a vital role in supporting Professor Mackay’s early work on the Internal Brace. His legacy now lives on in this cutting-edge facility, which is poised to become a cornerstone of nursing education in one of the poorest regions in India.

A Beacon for Nursing Education

Eventually, it is hoped that 1,200 nursing students will study here annually – transforming the healthcare landscape in the region. It also addresses a critical social challenge: the education of girls. Training here offers young women an opportunity for education, empowerment, and economic independence.

The hospital’s director, Dr. Prabhu Joseph, gave thanks saying, ” A few of us know the hard work it took to reach this day – a lot of days we have hoped for this day, yet today we are here looking at this beautiful building and it is a testament to God’s goodness.”

At the helm will be experienced Principal, Ms. Dorcas Lepcha, who with a clear and heartfelt vision described the school’s mission, adding that she envisions it as a “beacon of excellence in nursing education, embracing the principles of integrity, empathy, and teamwork.”

Work Underway to Welcome Students

Now the building is complete the focus shifts to equipping it with state-of-the-art resources before it prepares to welcome the first trainees, including our DHCT-sponsored nurses.

Phase two – construction of a new Nursing Accommodation block begins next and will be a vital component, supporting the school’s expanding capacity.

A Day of Celebration

The inauguration day was a blend of prayers, reflection, and celebration before the ribbon was cut and guests and staff enjoyed a tour of the building. Many guests then stayed on to enjoy a vibrant, joyous evening of song and dance to commemorate The Founder’s Day Celebration.

Dr. Graham Watson said, “I often pinch myself when I visit the Duncan Hospital. It is a genuine privilege to be associated with some of the projects in which the hospital is involved. The staff and buildings truly represent a beacon of light and hope for people in this part of Bihar and southern Nepal. Our commitment to the hospital continues unabated.”

Sadly fellow trustee Karen Watson was unable to travel this time but summed up the bright future of the Nursing School by saying, “I was sorry to be unable to travel to the Duncan to celebrate in the opening ceremony of the school of nursing.

I’ve always been so impressed by the dedication and compassion of all staff members. The Clanton Nursing Academic Block is a very impressive building and I’m sure it will be a wonderful environment in which the student nurses will learn and flourish. I very much look forward to seeing it in the future.“

As the Clanton Nursing Academic Block begins its journey of shaping the future of nursing in Bihar, it stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when innovation, compassion, and collaboration come together. For The Duncan Hospital, the future has never looked brighter.

Donate here today

Please note – 100% of all donations to DHCT go to The Duncan Hospital.

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The Giving Tree is a charity shop that is part of Dunblane Development Trust – it supports local and international charities, as well as promoting sustainability. They will be helping to raise funds in particular for our DHCT Nurses in Training Sponsorship Programme.

DHCT trustees Professor Gordon and Jackie Mackay, Dr Graham and Karen Watson were delighted to attend the official opening and give a taste of work The Duncan Hospital in Bihar India carries out. Local Antiques Roadshow expert Gordon Foster kindly cut the opening ribbon.

To donate to the DHCT Sponsored Nurses Programme click the link below.

https://www.justgiving.com/…/duncanhospitalsponsorednurses

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If anyone would still like to donate to Graham’s Just Giving page while he gives his legs a rest, the page will be open for a little longer!

Thankyou Graham for your brilliant effort

Click here to donate

Find out more about our sponsored Nurses programme

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As well as catching up with old friends there among staff he is meeting new members, seeing how work is progressing on the various building projects, and of course, he is lending a helping hand in surgery wherever he can.

To properly document his trip this time, Martyn Robertson of Urbancroft Films has gone with Prof Mackay to capture some of these projects and people this charity helps to fund and also take footage of the incredible staff that make The Duncan Hospital the extraordinary health oasis it is.

*Please note that neither trustee visits nor accompanying guests like Martyn are EVER paid for out of charity funds. 100% of all donations to DHCT always go directly to the Duncan.

If you would like to donate to our latest fundraiser – helping to train young nurses of the future you can do so here

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