12th August 2025, Kathmandu
In a meaningful act of corporate social responsibility, Shangri-la Development Bank Limited has once again demonstrated its commitment to community welfare by donating a vital oxygen concentrator to Bayalpata Hospital in the remote Achham district.
SADBL Donates Oxygen Concentrator
This initiative, part of the bank’s ongoing CSR program, highlights the critical role financial institutions can play in addressing pressing social needs, particularly in healthcare. By providing essential medical equipment, the bank is directly contributing to improving the quality of free healthcare services available to thousands of people in one of Nepal’s most underserved regions.
The Critical Role of Bayalpata Hospital in Rural Healthcare
Located in the Sudurpaschim Province, Bayalpata Hospital is a lifeline for the people of Achham and its neighboring communities. This 50-bed facility provides completely free medical services, serving an average of 200–250 patients every day, with annual patient visits ranging from an impressive 70,000 to 80,000. For a region with limited access to medical infrastructure and specialists, the hospital’s work is invaluable.
However, despite its dedicated staff and vital mission, Bayalpata Hospital, like many rural healthcare facilities in Nepal, faces significant challenges. Reports indicate issues with infrastructure, and a persistent need for financial and equipment support to ensure continuous and high-quality service delivery. A donation of a medical device like an oxygen concentrator is not just a gesture; it is a tangible solution that directly impacts patient outcomes. Dr. Mandip Pathak, the hospital’s director, confirmed that this equipment will be instrumental in enhancing the hospital’s ability to manage respiratory illnesses and emergencies more effectively.
Why an Oxygen Concentrator is a Lifesaver in Remote Settings
An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that extracts and concentrates oxygen from the ambient air, providing a continuous flow of high-purity oxygen to patients. This technology is particularly valuable in remote areas like Achham, where logistical challenges make the regular supply of heavy and often-expensive oxygen cylinders difficult and unreliable. The difficulty of transporting cylinders over poor roads, especially during monsoons, can create life-threatening shortages.
The donation from Shangri-la Development Bank addresses this fundamental issue by providing a more sustainable and reliable source of oxygen. It operates by plugging into an electrical outlet, eliminating the need for constant resupply. This ensures that the hospital can provide crucial oxygen therapy to patients suffering from a variety of respiratory conditions, including pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and severe cases of COVID-19. By strengthening the hospital’s capacity for oxygen management, the bank is helping to reduce referrals to distant and expensive urban centers, saving patients not only money but also precious time during emergencies.
A History of CSR Commitment to Healthcare
This isn’t an isolated act of philanthropy for Shangri-la Development Bank. The donation to Bayalpata Hospital is part of a consistent pattern of CSR initiatives focused on healthcare in rural Nepal. In the previous fiscal year, 2023/24, the bank extended similar support by providing oxygen concentrators to:
- The Basic Health Service Center in Gharapjhong Rural Municipality–3, Mustang: A remote, high-altitude region where respiratory issues are a common concern.
- The Primary Health Center in Sunil Smriti Rural Municipality–4, Rolpa: Another underserved area where access to medical equipment is scarce.
These targeted donations demonstrate a well-thought-out CSR strategy that goes beyond simple charity. The bank is strategically investing in communities where its contributions can have the most significant and lasting impact. Such actions align perfectly with the bank’s vision of being a community development partner, not just a financial institution.
The Broader Context of CSR in Nepal’s Banking Sector
Corporate social responsibility has become a legal mandate for banks and financial institutions in Nepal. A directive from Nepal Rastra Bank requires commercial, development, and financial institutions to allocate at least 1% of their net profits to a dedicated CSR fund. This has transformed CSR from a voluntary activity into a structured obligation, ensuring that the financial sector contributes actively to national development goals.
However, Shangri-la Development Bank’s approach goes beyond mere compliance. The bank’s management has made it a core part of its mission, with a focus on institutional governance and internal controls to ensure that its CSR funds are used effectively. By choosing to support critical sectors like health and education in remote areas, the bank is setting a standard for how financial institutions can contribute to public welfare. These public-private partnerships are crucial for bridging the resource gaps that often hinder government efforts to deliver essential services in all parts of the country.
Shangri-la’s Strategic Vision and Future Outlook
With a robust operational footprint of 109 branch offices and 30 ATMs nationwide, Shangri-la Development Bank is deeply integrated into Nepal’s economic fabric. The management has reaffirmed its dedication to expanding its banking services while continuing to prioritize impactful CSR programs. The bank’s future initiatives are expected to further address pressing needs in education, environmental sustainability, and disaster relief preparedness, reinforcing its commitment to holistic community development.
As Nepal moves toward strengthening its public health system, especially in remote regions, the contributions of organizations like Shangri-la Development Bank will be more important than ever. Their proactive approach in providing life-saving equipment like oxygen concentrators helps ensure that even the most vulnerable populations have access to the medical care they need and deserve.
For More: SADBL Donates Oxygen Concentrator