On 28 November 2024, a heartfelt farewell ceremony marked the transition of leadership at Sushma Koirala Memorial Hospital (SKMH). In the presence of Nepal’s Minister of Health, members of parliament, the Deputy German Ambassador, Interplast President Dr. André Borsche and Dr. Eva Borsche, distinguished guests from Germany and Nepal, hospital staff, and patients, the role of Country Director was officially handed over to Prof. Dr. Albert Benzing.
The event was more than a formal handover—it was a celebration of Dipl. Ing. Hein R. Stahl’s 27 years of unwavering dedication to the SKMH project. Under his visionary leadership, the hospital evolved into Nepal’s foremost center for plastic and reconstructive surgery, with a special focus on burn care. In recognition of this legacy, the hospital received official government acknowledgment as a specialized clinic—an important step toward securing future financial support.
Hein Stahl’s impact cannot be measured in years alone. Often described as a beacon of hope for burn patients in Nepal, he was instrumental in transforming a vision into a world-class facility. From designing earthquake-resistant infrastructure and sustainable systems to sponsoring the training of Nepalese medical professionals, Hein’s contributions laid the foundation for a hospital that has served over 480,000 patients and performed more than 32,000 surgeries, many of them free of charge.
As Hein passed the torch to Prof. Dr. Albert Benzing—a seasoned anesthesiologist and intensive care specialist who has been connected to SKMH since 2011—the moment was both emotional and inspiring. Prof. Benzing, who began his journey with the hospital by supporting his wife’s medical work, has since become an integral part of the SKMH family. Since 2022, he has been preparing to take on this leadership role, ensuring a seamless and thoughtful transition.
This milestone marks not just a change in leadership, but a reaffirmation of SKMH’s mission: to provide compassionate, expert care to those who need it most. And as Hein Stahl steps back from his official duties, his legacy continues to shine—etched into every ward, every surgical camp, and every life transformed by the hospital he helped build.