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ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED
Kyimolung Foundation Nepal,
Tinchuli, Boudha-6, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal.
Elevate Nepal,
(Nepal Office) Lazimpat, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal.
(US Office) PO Box 391 Flagstaff, AZ 86002, United States.
Humanitarian Efforts Reaching Out (HERO)
205 Saddlerock Cir, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States.
CAMP LOCATION
Philim Village, Sirdibas Ward, Tsum-Nubri Rural Municipality 3, Gorkha District, Gandaki Province, Nepal.
SCHEDULE
The free Health Camp was scheduled for March 2024. It included 4 days of travel and then 4 days of the camp (March 1 through 4, 2024). The camp opened at 9 a.m., closed at 4 p.m., and included a one-hour lunch break for doctors, staff, and volunteers.
THE TEAM
This free Health Camp included 8 doctors, 2 acupuncturists, 5 certified health assistants, 8 interpreters, 2 lab technicians, and 14 volunteers. The founder and president of all the three organizations were present, along with few other representatives.
COST ESTIMATE
The estimated budget for the program was approximately NRS. 78,00,000.00 which is equivalent to 60,000 USD.
The camp was set within the community health post in the remote village of Philim. Organizers had arranged some tents and make-shift medical facilities to provide desperately needed services. The team of doctors included general physicians and specialists as well as acupuncturists and dentist lab technicians and nurses. Interpreters helped with communication between doctors and patients, and a team of volunteers worked day and night to make the camp a success.
Patients and community members deeply appreciated the four-day Health Camp and there was a consistent flow of patients throughout the camp duration.On the first day, a total of 137 patients attended the camp, 223 the next, followed by 194 on day three and 235 on the final day.
Altogether, around 789 patients attended this camp, with 1,687 cross-consultations. The medical team serviced all visitors. There was only one report of a significant medical emergency during the four-day camp, involving a patient who was severely ill for years. We learned some of the patients traveled three days from remote villages for services they could not have received otherwise.
Services at the Health Camp included:
Moreover, the medical team performed counseling on aspects of nutrition, hygiene and family planning. Many patients presented symptoms of chronic illnesses like gastritis and hypertension, and were provided with medicine and education to manage their illnesses, Finally, women and local healthcare staff were invited to attend hygiene awareness, maternal, and birthing trainings.
Doctors and nurses conducted check-ups, including measuring vitals like height, weight, blood pressure, and body temperature. Patients also received tailored advice on lifestyle, diet, and exercise.
These comprehensive check-ups revealed a widespread lack of general health and hygiene maintenance, partially due to inadequate health education and awareness, as well as a lack of medication and resources. High blood pressure and gastritis are the most common conditions among the residents living in this region, which may be attributed to alcohol and tobacco use, cultural practices, and very long, cold winters.
A specialist doctor provided gynecological services, which were in high demand from women suffering from a range of issues, such as menstrual disorders, uterine fibroids, and pelvic pain. Treatment began with a comprehensive exam, and was followed by a treatment plan and counseling.
For women in this region, the lack of sanitary pads and other resources lead to higher rates of infection and disease during menstruation. Furthermore, childbirth in Sirdibas is a considerable risk, especially in the event of cesarean births, where the lack of availability of medical staff and infrastructure results in high rates of maternal death. Taking a helicopter for emergency medical situations, such as a problematic cesarean delivery, is prohibitively expensive for the people and often impeded due to the unpredictable weather of the region.
Women often have four or more children by the age of 35 due to the unavailability of contraceptives. This combined with geographic remoteness, poverty, harsh climate, and lack of proper education, leads to parents who are incapacitated to address the health needs of both their children and themselves.
A specialist doctor provided gynecological services, which were in high demand from women suffering from a range of issues, such as menstrual disorders, uterine fibroids, and pelvic pain. Treatment began with a comprehensive exam, and was followed by a treatment plan and counseling.
For women in this region, the lack of sanitary pads and other resources lead to higher rates of infection and disease during menstruation. Furthermore, childbirth in Sirdibas is a considerable risk, especially in the event of cesarean births, where the lack of availability of medical staff and infrastructure results in high rates of maternal death. Taking a helicopter for emergency medical situations, such as a problematic cesarean delivery, is prohibitively expensive for the people and often impeded due to the unpredictable weather of the region.
Women often have four or more children by the age of 35 due to the unavailability of contraceptives. This combined with geographic remoteness, poverty, harsh climate, and lack of proper education, leads to parents who are incapacitated to address the health needs of both their children and themselves.
A significant number of patients, mainly older adults, came to receive treatment for conditions like chronic pain, headaches, and anxiety. Specialists administered the acupuncture treatment, which involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the patient’s body. They also administered cupping, an ancient form of therapy where special cups are placed on a patient’s skin to create suction. Cupping can help reduce pain, inflammation, and increase blood flow. It also offers some profound benefits like deep-tissue massage, relaxation, and a stronger sense of well-being.
Because of the benefit and effectiveness of the acupuncture treatment provided during our 2023 Health Camp, we saw a higher number of patients, particularly among the elderly, seeking these services.
Lab tests are an essential part of medical diagnosis and treatment, providing valuable insights regarding a patient’s health status. Pathologists at our 2024 Health Camp completed a total of 109 laboratory tests, allowing the medical team to establish and treat conditions such as anemia, diabetes, high cholesterol, and liver or kidney diseases.
Samples collected from the patients were analyzed in the on-site laboratory. Results were then shared with the medical team, who would diagnose, treat the patients, and provide additional education to manage conditions.
Two dentists provided intensive dental care at the Health Camp, including examinations for cavities and gum diseases in addition to cleanings, restorative treatments such as fillings and extractions. A general fluoride treatment was also provided to more than 200 students who attended the local community school. Each student also received a toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap alongside brushing and general hygiene instructions.
Dermatology is a crucial aspect of healthcare, addressing the unique skin problems prevalent in this mountainous area. The harsh climate, high altitude, and limited access to clean water contribute to various skin conditions among the local population. Common issues include eczema, fungal infections, and chilblains from prolonged exposure to cold. Additionally, the strong UV radiation at high altitudes often leads to sunburn and photoaging. Medical outreach programs such as ours are instrumental in providing necessary care, including the distribution of medicated creams, antifungal treatments, and educational sessions on skin protection and hygiene. These efforts not only improve the quality of life for the inhabitants, but also raise awareness about the importance of skin health in such challenging environments.
We did not have any ophthalmologists, but we distributed reading glasses provided by the Lions Club of Sedona Oak Creek Canyon in the United States. More than 360 people received the reading glasses, and the remainder was donated to the local health post.
After the consultation and treatment, patients were sent to the pharmacy to collect prescribed medicines before returning home. All medicines were brought in from Kathmandu via Jeep, transported by mules, and were provided free of cost. A stocked pharmacy with an on-site pharmacist is essential for immediate access to medication and expert pharmaceutical guidance. We also believe that patients are more likely to follow through with their treatment plans when they get their medications on-site for free, ultimately improving overall health outcomes.
In an effort to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes within the region, comprehensive birthing attendant training was provided to all local healthcare staff.
This specialized training equips midwives, nurses, and community health workers with essential skills in prenatal care, safe delivery practices, and postnatal support. Emphasis was placed on recognizing and managing complications such as prolonged labor, hemorrhage, and infections, which are critical in remote regions where advanced medical facilities are scarce. The training also included education on the use of sterile techniques, proper handling of newborns, and breastfeeding support. By empowering local healthcare staff with these vital skills, the program aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, ensuring safer births and healthier outcomes for both mothers and their babies in these underserved communities.
OBGYNs Dr. Pratisara Manandhar and Dr. Sidney Callahan also trained six midwives from six different wards in safe delivery practices and equipment including non-pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment, Uterine Balloon Tamponade, and Celox medicated uterine packing. This is the first time this type of training and equipment was used in this region.
The four-day free Health Camp provided to the remote communities in and around Sirdibas concluded with resounding success, bringing much-needed healthcare services to this underserved region. Over the course of the camp, hundreds of residents received medical consultations, treatments, and essential medications, addressing a wide range of health issues from common illnesses to chronic conditions.
The dedicated team of healthcare professionals worked tirelessly to ensure that every patient was attended to, providing both immediate care and valuable health education. This initiative not only improved the well-being of the local population but also fostered a sense of hope and connectivity, highlighting the profound impact of accessible healthcare in remote areas.
A huge THANK YOU goes out to everyone involved.
To view more details about the 2024 Free Health Camp, please download the full report below.
