Mahima's calling to care

Head Nurse at Anandaban Hospital - Nepal

As Head Nurse at Anandaban, Mahima is part of a dedicated team caring for persons affected by leprosy, many of whom have experienced not only illness but also exclusion, poverty and loss.
Motivated by Jesus’ command to serve others, she begins each day with prayer asking God to help her meet the needs that await her. The powerful words of Ephesians 6:11 are on the wall of her office. As she stands with Christ-like grace and humility alongside people the world has pushed aside, “Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand”, reminds her where her strength comes from.

Mahima knows she needs both compassion and perseverance to care for vulnerable people. Every day brings new challenges, but also opportunities to share Christ’s love through practical acts of service.

Persons affected by leprosy often have complex needs. As leprosy develops it damage nerves, causing a loss of sensation in hands and feet. Without the warning sign of pain, minor injuries can go unnoticed and develop into serious wounds. Infections, disability and long periods of rehabilitation are a reality for many patients. Emotional pain is also all too common, as individuals struggle with stigma, isolation and uncertainty about the future.
Mahima encounters these needs every day. Whether she is cleaning wounds, encouraging a patient through rehabilitation, or simply taking time to listen, she understands that healing involves more than medical treatment alone.
One patient who has experienced her care firsthand is Akhilesh.

Only a few years ago, Akhilesh was following his dream to become a chef and support his family. He left home to work in a hotel kitchen.
But as leprosy affected his body, it began to take that future away. Akhilesh’s hands weakened, he suffered painful wounds on his legs, and he lost the ability to walk. He lost his job. Overwhelmed by his circumstances, he was losing hope and even thought about ending his life.
Akhilesh made the long and exhausting journey to Anandaban Hospital. Thanks to the generous support of TLM supporters around the world, the hospital doors are still open and a bed was waiting for Akhilesh. Mahima and her team cleaned his wounds, caring for him with dignity and compassion, showing the kind of love that Jesus showed.
Mahima encourages her patients on her ward rounds. Akhilesh’s condition was severe. An infection in his leg had spread to the bone and doctors were forced to amputate to save his life. Akhilesh was devastated.
Throughout his recovery, Mahima and her team remained alongside him. Day by day they treated his wounds, provided rehabilitation support, and encouraged him when progress felt slow. They celebrated every milestone, no matter how small.
Today, Akhilesh is learning to walk with a prosthetic leg. He has benefited from reconstructive surgery on his hands, helping him regain movement and
independence. Most importantly, he has begun to look towards the future once again. He speaks about work, returning home, about getting
married and the life he hopes to build.
For Mahima, Akhilesh’s story is a powerful reminder of why her work matters. Many people arrive at Anandaban feeling hopeless but leave with renewed confidence and dignity. Wounds heal, disabilities are overcome and lives are transformed.

The continued ministry of Anandaban Hospital is made possible through the prayers, encouragement and generous support of people like you who care deeply about those affected by leprosy. Your kindness has helped ensure that patients continue to receive expert treatment, rehabilitation and compassionate care when they need it most.

As Anandaban looks to the future, Mahima is committed to her calling. Despite the monsoon rains and challenging conditions, she serves every day with faith, humility and determination. And every day, with hands skilled in nursing and a heart devoted to Christ, Mahima helps bring healing, hope and dignity to people who might otherwise be forgotten.