Nepal: Free Health Camps
981 Patients Receive Services: Q3 2018
October 29, 2018
Ganesh Shrestha
Summary of Activities
In collaboration with various government, non-government, and local volunteer organizations, RMF conducted 3 free health camps from July to September 2018. Among these, 2 of the camps each took place over 2 days, and one camp took place over a single day, for a total of 5 health camp days throughout the quarter.
41 medical volunteers, including specialists, provided their services in the 3 camps. A total of 981 patients received health checkups and/or free medicines. 222 of these patients received dental scaling procedures, 185 underwent tooth extractions, and 87 received dental fillings. Additionally, 52 patients participated in a class on proper brushing techniques. Free toothbrushes and toothpaste were distributed to these students.
Full Report
Results &
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Dental Camps
Thulo Sirubari-13 and Sangachowk-12
In collaboration with Chautara Sangachowkgadi municipality and Nepal Dental Science Hygienist Association, a free dental camp was organized in Sindhupalchowk district. The first day of the camp took place in the village of Thulo Sirubari-13 on July 1, 2018, and the second day of the camp took place in Sangachowk-12 on July 2, 2018.
170 patients benefited from the Thulo Sirubari camp, and 148 patients benefited from Sangachowk camp for a total of 318 patients. 15 medical volunteers, including 2 dental surgeons, served in the camp. Services included dental screenings, scaling, extractions, fillings, health education, consultations, and referrals to other dental facilities. Medicines, toothbrushes, and toothpaste were distributed free of charge. During the closing ceremony, RMF Nepal was honored to receive a certificate of appreciation.
Dental Camps
Palungtar
In collaboration with Palungtar municipality, Nepal Dental Science Hygienist Association, and Global Gorkha Society Network, RMF Nepal supported a free dental health camp which took place over 2 days at 2 locations within Palungtar municipality, Gorkha. The first day of the camp was conducted on September 7, 2018 at Bhrikuti High School in ward no. 4, and the second day was conducted on September 8, 2018 at Sharada High School in ward no. 2.
12 medical volunteers, including 2 dental surgeons, served at the camp. Dental screenings, scaling, extractions, fillings, health education, consultations, and referral services were provided. Free medicines, toothbrushes, and toothpaste were distributed. During the camp 312 patients were screened.
During the closing ceremony, RMF Nepal was honored to receive a certificate of appreciation which was accepted by RMF Nepal Program Manager Ganesh Shrestha.
Media Coverage
Dental Camp In Two Publications
A health reporter from Kantipur Daily national newspaper was present at the dental camp. She interviewed several patients and dental health workers at the camp and published an article which is available online.
- Publication: Kantipur Daily
- Date: September 10, 2018
- Written by: Fatima Banu
Laltinkhabar.com also covered this event on September 13, 2018. The article describes the events that took place at the dental health camp and provides background information on the dental health challenges faced by people living in rural Nepal.
- Publication: Laltinkhabar.com
- Date: September 13, 2018
Free Health Camp
Myagde Rural Municipality
A free health camp was conducted in Changpatan, Myagde municipality-5, Tanahun on September 22, 2018. This camp was organized in collaboration with Physicians for Social Responsibility Nepal (PSRN). PSRN is Nepali organization of medical doctors affiliated with the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW).
A total of 351 patients benefited directly from the camp. 3 consultants, 9 medical officers, and 2 nurses provided their services.
Many Services Provided
Meeting Community Needs
Each free health camp is tailored to meet the community’s specific needs, and in addition to free check-ups and health education, medication, contraceptives, or dental hygiene supplies are provided as appropriate. Depending on the communities’ needs, services offered during these health camps may include:
- General medicine
- Pediatrics
- OB/GYN
- Eye exams
- Dentistry
- Orthopedics
- ENT (ear, nose, and throat)
Background
& Objectives
Background
83.4% of Nepal’s population lives in rural areas, and more than 25% live below the poverty line (2016). Adequate healthcare services are not easily accessible to millions of Nepalese. There is 1 doctor for every 100,000 people in rural areas of Nepal, compared to 1 doctor for every 850 people in the urban Kathmandu valley. Specialized medical treatment is only available at hospitals in urban areas, and many rural government health facilities lack basic equipment, some have been closed for years due to lack of staff.
Real Medicine Foundation (RMF) Nepal, in collaboration with our local partners, sponsors free health camps in rural and disaster affected regions of Nepal. We sponsor 1–3 health camps each month, prioritizing communities who remain in temporary housing after the 2015 earthquake or those newly affected by natural disasters.
Objectives
- To provide free medical care to people from underserved and disaster affected communities in Nepal
- To build a network of partners throughout Nepal, strengthening local ties and disaster preparedness
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Photos
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