Special Earthquake Resistant Hospital Annex Opening

June 6, 2001
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KATHMANDU, Since February, 34 U.S. Army troops from the 2nd Platoon, C Company, 84th Engineer Battalion based in Fort Richardson in the U.S. state of Alaska, and 30 Royal Nepalese Army Engineers have been working side by side 12 hours per day, six days per week- to construct an earthquake resistant hospital annex for Bhaktapur Public Hospital.

The primary goal of the mission, named “Bailey Nightingale,” has been to exchange technology and construction techniques between the U.S. and Nepal Militaries while continuing to strengthen the already warm bi-lateral relationship between the U.S. and Nepal governments and their people. Each year the U.S. Army Participates in joint exercises like this with militaries of countries throughout Asia and around the World. After investigating several potential sites, the two armies and governments selected Bhaktapur due to its high population density and vulnerability to earthquakes. Special design techniques were employed to make the hospital annex earthquake resistant, which will likely save many lives in the aftermath of a future earthquake.

With the exception of a few rare items such as lead lining for the x-ray room, almost the entire building has been constructed with local materials valued at nearly $150,000. Total project cost is over $1,000,000. All funds have been provided by the United States Army Pacific Command.

The hospital was handed over to the Nepalese authorities on May 31 at a special ceremony in Bhaktapur.