The First Hospital of Nepal Born from Love, Jealousy, and Acid: The Fascinating Story of Veer Hospital
Veer Hospital, the oldest hospital in Nepal, was established in the mid‑20th century after a dramatic incident involving a royal family member who was attacked with acid. The story traces the royal lineage, the political intrigue, and the medical response that led to the creation of a pioneering healthcare institution. It highlights how personal tragedy turned into a national legacy of free medical care.
The tale begins with a royal court in the 1940s, where a princess named Devyashwari Shah was attacked with acid by her jealous step‑mother, a young woman named Khajmaya Nakarami. The incident shocked the kingdom and prompted the then‑Prime Minister, Veer Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana, to seek medical help from abroad. He brought doctors from India, the United Kingdom, and Russia to treat the princess, who survived the attack but required extensive care. To provide a permanent medical facility for the royal family and the nation, Veer Shamsher commissioned the construction of a hospital. Initially named “Pritvi Veer Hospital,” it was later renamed Veer Hospital in honor of the Prime Minister’s dedication to public welfare. The building was erected on a plot donated by a local philanthropist, and the hospital offered free meals and medical services to patients for many years. Veer Hospital’s opening ceremony was marked by a speech from Veer Shamsher himself, where he promised free medical care and food to all patients, emphasizing that the institution would serve as a beacon of hope for the people of Nepal. Today, Veer Hospital stands as a testament to how personal tragedy can inspire public service. It remains one of the oldest and most respected medical institutions in the country, continuing to provide care to those in need.