The workshops will enhance the ability of district hospitals to treat the "dirty" wounds that often result from armed violence or traffic accidents. People may be permanently disabled or even lose a limb if these wounds are not treated properly. "Bullet wounds, and those resulting from explosions or even traffic accidents, require very specific treatment to avoid the types of infection that can cause permanent physical disability," explained Dr Victor Uranga, one of the ICRC surgeons running the workshops.

The first workshop was conducted between 16 and 18 November, at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu. The second workshop will take place on 20 and 21 November at the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan and the third and final workshop will take place on 25 and 26 November at the Bheri Zonal Hospital in Nepalganj. Some 80 district doctors from around the country are expected to attend, together with medical students and other staff. An additional workshop will be offered to Nepal Army medical personnel during the first week of December. The workshops will be conducted by specialist ICRC surgeons Dr Victor Uranga and Dr Mauro Dalla Torre.

Since 2002, the ICRC has provided basic training in war surgery to some 600 doctors and field staff in Nepal, in order to ensure better care for the wounded of both sides during the armed conflict. Later this year the ICRC also aims to introduce training on forensic anthropology and the management of bodies after disasters.