At first, donations were channelled through the Edinburgh Medical Missionary Society (EMMS). However, it soon became clear that a more dedicated approach was needed – one that focused entirely on the specific needs and future of The Duncan Hospital.

In 2011, together with close friends Dr Graham Watson and Karen Watson, the Duncan Hospital Charitable Trust (DHCT) was established.

What began as a single project has since grown into a long-term commitment. Today, the DHCT supports a wide range of initiatives at Duncan Hospital and beyond, continuing to build on those early foundations.

If you would like to donate to our latest fundraiser, head here now

Just Giving Asha School Project

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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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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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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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Each student pays the equivalent of £3,300 to complete the 3-year nursing degree, this amount covering all tuition fees, uniform, board, and lodgings.

These fees are beyond the dreams of many but we can change this for 2 young girls. Staff at the Duncan are currently interviewing young hopefuls for the Autumn 2022 trainee intake and during this process will identify 2 local girls who will benefit from the support of The Duncan Hospital Charitable Trust.

We hope with your help, to lift more young girls out of poverty like this. We begin our fundraising campaign soon but in the meantime, we hope you enjoy hearing from Raji and Dolly who are current nursing students, about what it means to them to be doing a nursing degree here.

“Hi, I’m Dolly. I’m 22 years old and currently studying in my 3rd year in Nursing School. I come from the beautiful state of Sikkim in North Eastern India. I come from a very poor family and my mother takes care of us with the little that she earns. I joined nursing in 2019 and in my second year went through a very difficult medical problem. I had to skip a year and half of my training to recover and during the illness I struggled with a lot of depression. However, I fought the sickness and back in training and in my final year now. I love my studies and clinical work. My teachers tell me I’m a responsible and caring individual. I want to become a good nurse and take care of people who have been through difficulties. I’m currently supported by two doctors who worked here at the Duncan.”

“Hi, I`m Raji. I`m 20 years old and in my 2nd year of nursing training at the Duncan Hospital School of Nursing. I have been through a lot in my childhood and my parents struggled to provide for me and my siblings as we grew up. I was encouraged by the elders in my church to study and become a nurse. My sister completed her nursing in Duncan SON and she received some help from the hospital. I am also financially supported by the hospital and hope to study and become a good nurse. I love the course and I’m trying my best to be a good student. My mom continues to work with a little help from my elder sister. Soon I will complete the course and take care of my family. I believe God will bless me to do well and have an independent struggle-free life.”

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So much has gone on this year, so we have just picked out some highlights. Staff celebrated World Cerebral Palsy Day this year by inviting local children with the condition to come along with their families and learn more about nutrition and the importance of medicine and exercise. The hospital has also started actively working with transgender people who face grave issues such as lack of jobs plus public exclusion. 

The Duncan’s Community Health Team has been working with the Mahler Foundation to offer sheltered accommodation in Raxual, plus support to patients who are destitute, many struggling with mental illness but who have nowhere to go after discharge from hospital care.

These are just a few of the initiatives carried out this year. In 2023 the DHCT launch our new nurse sponsorship fundraiser to help local girls get a life-changing nursing education at The Duncan. Look out for details in the New Year! 

Donations welcome here

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It has long been the dream of the DHCT that a new college for nursing be built – the old building is no longer fit for purpose as rooms are small and damp, and are subject to frequent flooding during the wet season. This bold new building will be a beacon of hope and opportunity for the education of girls, not only from Bihar but Nepal and wider India as well. It will also increase the status of the Duncan as a training hospital, indeed it is hoped that many future generations of new nurses will benefit from the building that is emerging on the site. 

Such a vast project could not have been made possible without the joint funding and collaboration of EMMS and The Duncan Hospital Charitable Trust.  We are optimistic that The Nursing College should be completed and be ready to open in early 2024 after which work will begin on an accommodation block for 200 nursing students. 

We look forward to keeping you up to date with this amazing project. Once again many thanks to all our DHCT supporters. Without your support and concern for those in need, none of this would be possible. 

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