WHY DARCHULA?
In the far-western frontier of Nepal, Darchula district lies where the Himalayas meet isolation. Bordering India to the west and Tibet (China) to the north, this rugged district is defined by steep mountains, scattered settlements, and limited infrastructure. Many villages are accessible only by foot, with journeys to the nearest health facility taking several hours—or even days—especially during monsoon seasons when landslides and flooding cut off entire communities.
Darchula is home to an estimated population of ~130,000–150,000 people, most of whom live in rural areas dependent on subsistence agriculture and daily wage labor. Despite their resilience, these communities face significant barriers to accessing even the most basic healthcare services.
But beyond geography and numbers lies a deeper reality: a silent burden of untreated illness.
In Darchula, the most common and pressing health challenges include:
Communicable diseases — Respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and skin infections remain widespread due to limited sanitation and health awareness.
•Chronic illnesses — Hypertension, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases often go undiagnosed and unmanaged for years.
•Maternal and child health risks — Limited access to antenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and pediatric services increases preventable complications.
•Malnutrition and anemia — Particularly among women and children, affecting growth, immunity, and overall wellbeing.
•Eye and dental problems — High prevalence of untreated cataracts, refractive errors, and dental infections due to lack of specialized care.
•Mental health concerns — Often overlooked, yet significant due to isolation, poverty, and migration-related stress.
Healthcare facilities in the region are limited in both reach and resources—with shortages of trained personnel, diagnostic tools, and essential medicines. For many, seeking care means crossing difficult terrain or even traveling across borders, which is not always feasible.
This is why a health camp in Darchula is not just beneficial—it is transformational.
If the goal is to serve where the need is greatest, then Darchula is not just a choice—it is a responsibility.
OVERVIEW OF 38TH OCHS
Ek Ek Paila Foundation successfully conducted a three-day Outreach Comprehensive Medical and Surgical Camp in Khandeshwari Secondary School, Apihimal–04, Darchula, on March 31, April 1 and April 2, delivering all services free of cost. This Outreach Comprehensive Health Service (OCHS) program was organized in close collaboration with Apihimal Rural Municipality, ensuring effective coordination and community reach.
Over the course of OCHS, the foundation provided healthcare services to 1,592 individuals(457 males and 1135 females), facilitating approximately 3,395 cross-consultations across multiple specialties—highlighting both the scale of need and the depth of service delivered.
The OCHS offered a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services, including: Ophthalmology, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), Dental, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dermatology, General Medicine, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, General Surgery, Radiology, and Pathology.
Beyond clinical care, the initiative focused on holistic patient support. Beneficiaries received free medicines, sanitary pads, toothpaste, tooth brushes, hand wash gels, powder, moisturizing lotion and soaps, ensuring not only treatment but also dignity, prevention, and improved quality of life.
This camp stands as a testament to Ek Ek Paila’s commitment to delivering accessible, inclusive, and impactful healthcare to some of Nepal’s most remote and underserved communities.
APPRECIATION
Ek Ek Paila Foundation expresses its profound gratitude to our generous donors and partners, whose unwavering support has made the 38th Outreach Comprehensive Health Service a remarkable success. Your commitment has not only enabled us to reach remote communities of Nepal but has also brought hope, care, and health to countless lives. We are deeply thankful to the following organizations for standing with us in our mission—your belief in the power of accessible healthcare inspires us to continue striving for a healthier, stronger, and more empowered Nepal.
1.Apihimal Rural Municipality
2.Surya Jyoti life insurance Company Ltd.
3.GETA eye hospital
4.Shree Airlines Pvt. Ltd
5.Individual donors
6.Volunteers
38TH OCHS TEAM MEMBER
1.DR. SUMAN S. THAPA- OPHTHALMOLOGY
2.DR. SUSHAN BHATTARAI PEDIATRICS
3.DR. NIRAB KAYASTHA- ORTHOPEDICS
4.DR. RAKSHYA PANDEY- PULMONOLOGY
5.DR. SAJANI DONGOL- GENERAL MEDICINE
6.DR. PUNJAN BIKRAM THAPA-RADIOLOGY
7.DR. SAPANA AMATYA VAIDYA- GYNECOLOGY
8.DR. RICHA GIRI-GYNECOLOGY
9.DR. SABIN GIRI- DENTAL
10.DR. BINITA ADHIKARI- DENTAL
11. DR. NEIL PANDEY-DENTAL
12.DR. SAMSKRITI KOIRALA-DENTAL
13.DR. APAR POKHREL-ENT
14.DR. SHRISTI SUBBA RAI-ENT
15.DR. BIKRAM BASUKALA- GENERAL SURGERY
16.DR. GANESH PARAJULI- PATHOLOGY
17.DR. SUJAN VAIDYA- PATHOLOGY/LOGISTICS
18.EK DEV NEUPANE-PHARMACY
19.SUDHA BISTA- GYNE NURSE
20.AMRITA DEVKOTA-ENT NURSE
21.SHANTI TAMANG-ENT NURSE
22.JANAKI MAGAR- NURSE
23.SAMJHANA KHAKUREL-LAB TECHNICIAN
24.DOLKAR GHALE- LAB VOLUNTEER
25.ASHOK PANDEY-LOGISTICS
26.ASHISH BHATTARAI-LOGISTICS
27.SRIJANA PANDEY- LOGISTICS
28.BINODMAN SHRESTHA-IT
29.CARTER ZACHARY WILHEM-DOCUMENTATION
30.KALAYOGLU EROL MUNCI-DOCUMENTATION
31.RANUP SHRESTHA-DOCUMENTATION
Video Link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPr-7VU2ErY
