Nepal, June 4 -- Born in Khotang, Dr Rameshwar Prasad Pokharel grew up witnessing a harsh public health reality. Nepal had recorded one of the world's highest infant mortality rates, with 138 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Over the years, to strengthen the country's healthcare infrastructure, he has built five hospitals in underserved regions through community fundraising. He also mobilised funds to construct the first dedicated 40-bed pediatric surgical ward at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and founded Nepal's first postgraduate training programme in pediatric surgery.

In this conversation with the Post's Jony Nepal, Pokharel discusses his second book, 'Basics of Pediatric Surgery', which is scheduled for its release on June 5....