2004

Dr Neil Strugnell

The seeds for Dr Neil Strugnell’s work were evident in an award-winning essay which he wrote whilst in Year 10, entitled Living Simply So That Others May Simply Live. His commitment to work for justice has continued throughout his post-school life.

Graduating from Carey in 1981, Neil undertook medical studies which included an elective period in Bangladesh. He subsequently practised in the United Kingdom and Australia and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons. In 1998 he accepted a position as Chief of Surgery at Tansen Mission Hospital, under the auspices of the United Mission to Nepal.

In spite of Nepal being in political turmoil with the constant threat of Maoist violence, he has committed himself to bring healing and help to the poor and disadvantaged without regard for religious, racial or political allegiance.

Situated in the western mountains of Nepal, Tansen Mission Hospital is a base for medical care which extends throughout the kingdom. He often leads small teams of doctors and associated health workers to remote villages. On a recent five day trip his team consulted with over 700 patients and performed more than fifty operations in makeshift facilities.

The circumstances in Nepal underline the importance of his work. The country’s 23 million people occupy an area only two thirds the size of Victoria. 47% of the population are malnourished, 46% of adults are illiterate, 42% of the population live below the national poverty line and there are only four doctors per 100,000 people. The nation’s infrastructure is additionally stressed by the constant internal warring.

In addition to caring for their three young children, his wife, Susan, is involved in logistics, administration and security at the Tansen Hospital compound. Living in a district under curfew reflects the unique strains of their environment and highlights the commitment they both have made to the welfare of the Nepalese community.

In 2005 the administration of the Tansen Mission Hospital was handed over to local leaders. Whilst continuing his fine work as Chief of Surgery, Neil trained indigenous doctors in both medical and administrative skills to ensure a smooth transition. He also facilitated promotion of preventative health education and, in consultation with the government, fulfilled an integral role in developing ongoing public and rural health programs.