Nepal: Model Village
Roof Complete on New Clinic Construction: Q3 2018
November 27, 2018
Ganesh Shrestha
Summary of Activities
Since opening in January 2016, the RMF Health Clinic has treated 19,941 patients. Of these, the RMF clinic served 2,618 patients from July to September 2018, of which 1,277 were female and 1,341 were male. The clinic averaged about 873 patients per month. In this 3-month period, skin disease was the leading health problem registered at the clinic with 544 patients.
Full Report
Results &
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Morbidity Report
2,618 Patients Served
The clinic served 874 patients in July, 933 in August, and 811 in September for a total of 2,618 patients throughout the reporting period.
Many Illnesses Treated
Quality Healthcare Provided
During this 3-month period, skin diseases were the leading health problems registered in the clinic with 544 patients, followed by infectious diseases at 382 patients, orthopedic disorders at 354 patients, miscellaneous diseases and injuries at 339 patients, and water/foodborne communicable diseases at 295 patients.
Construction Continues
Roof Completed
As per RMF’s plan, construction of the clinic building has been ongoing throughout the reporting period. The construction of the building itself began in June, and the contractor has finished concreting the roof. The clinic manager and management committee members are monitoring the construction regularly, and RMF’s program manager also conducted a monitoring visit to the construction site this quarter.
Background
& Objectives
Background
In line with RMF’s concepts and the government of Nepal’s vision for a comprehensive and eventually sustainable Model Village, RMF, in close partnership and collaboration with Sarswati Foundation will be working towards the development of a Model Village in Arupokhari. Sarswati Foundation has been working in Arupokhari, Gorkha since 2009 as a non-profit. This was co-founded by Subhash Ghimire, a native from that village and editor-in-chief of the Republica, Nepal’s leading English daily that publishes with the New York Times in Kathmandu.
Following the devastating earthquake, the non-profit has been actively engaged in relief and reconstruction works in the area, which includes providing food and temporary shelter relief to the affected people. So far, the foundation has delivered 7.5 tons (100 sacks of 30 kg rice, 50 sacks of 50 kg lentils, 500 sacks of 0.5 L of oil, 500 packets of 1 kg salt, 495 blankets, 350 tents) to the community, and aims to rebuild the village as a replicable model, which will include earthquake-safe structures designed by architects and engineers, utilizing local natural and human resources to ensure ownership and sustainability, improved healthcare access, education and livelihood programs, based on the needs of the communities and with the leadership of the local people.
Similarly, the village also holds a huge potential as a thriving Manaslu trekking route, along with a 600-megawatt hydro project being planned around in the area. In addition, the community is also actively engaged in production of local agricultural products and livestock. With a thought-out detailed plan, the opportunities of the village could be tapped in to create a replicable, integrated and sustainable Model Village.
RMF supports the rebuilding of Sarswati Peace School (more than 200 students, mostly from economically and culturally marginalized backgrounds) and Darbar Higher Secondary School (public school with more than 400 students), both of which were badly damaged during the earthquake. The current plan is to demolish the existing damaged structure and construct earthquake resistant buildings.
Along with the support to the reconstruction of the schools, the model village project also seeks to help build at least 100 temporary shelters and 700 permanent houses to the identified most vulnerable households in the community and one earthquake resistant local health center. Health services, education, and the economy will be supported for the long-term as the people of Arupokhari build a stronger future in collaboration with RMF and Sarswati.
Objectives
- Rebuild the village as a replicable model, which will include earthquake-safe structures designed by architects and engineers
- Use local natural and human resources to ensure ownership and sustainability
- Improve healthcare access and education based on the needs of the communities and with the leadership of the local people
More
Photos
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Success
Stories
Chandani Gurung
Typhoid Fever
Chandani Gurung was brought to RMF Health Clinic with a high fever, chills, and a severe headache. She also had poor appetite and her body felt very heavy. After examining her, RMF Clinical Officer Bishnu concluded that she had typhoid, which is a common waterborne disease in the area, and gave her antibiotics intravenously. She continued to receive medications through an IV line for 5 days. Chandani visited the clinic twice daily for the medications, and after 2 weeks of intense treatment with antibiotics, her condition improved. She is now doing well.
Kul Prasad Sodari
Enteric Fever
Kul Prasad Sodari was presenting the symptoms of a continuous high fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, and a headache. His symptoms suggested enteric fever, and he was given antibiotics. However, even after 72 hours of treatment with the antibiotics, his symptoms did not subside. RMF Clinical Officer Bishnu did not want to risk the life of the client and referred him to higher center in Kathmandu. When Kul returned to the village, he said that he was admitted to the hospital in Kathmandu for 14 days, and they treated him for enteric fever. He was amazed that the RMF clinical officer could detect the disease without the help of laboratory tests and other facilities available in bigger hospitals. He thanked Mr. Bishnu for the accurate diagnosis and also for being there at RMF clinic to ensure that the people of Arupokhari and neighboring villages can get unmatched health services from such an experienced person. He considers the people of Arupokhari very lucky to have RMF Health Clinic within their reach.
Maiya Devi Shrestha
Loose Stool and Vomiting
Maiya Devi Shrestha was brought to RMF clinic after multiple episodes of loose stools. On arrival, she was weak and lethargic. She had vomited thrice that day and was unable to drink the oral rehydration solution (ORS). When RMF Nurse Laxmi examined her, her blood pressure had dropped, and her pulse was weak and fast. She immediately prepared to hydrate the patient by securing an IV line and infusing two pints of Ringer’s lactate solution. Maiya was also given intravenous antibiotics, and, after discharge, oral antibiotics. She was advised to return if her condition does not improve or worsens.
Karton Pariyar
Enteric Fever
Karton Pariyar was brought to RMF Clinic after suffering from a high-grade fever for several days. He also reported that he was experiencing chills and rigor. On examination, it was found that he had enteric fever. He was prescribed oral antibiotics for 10 days, and after a few days, he showed remarkable improvement. He has completely recovered from the fever.
Sanjay Gurung
Ear Infection
Sanjay Gurung, a 9-month-old baby, had been crying incessantly for two days. He had mild fever and refused to eat anything, so his mother brought him to the RMF clinic. On the way to the clinic, the child was quieter. An examination revealed pus discharging from his left ear. He was diagnosed with otitis, an ear infection, and prescribed both oral antibiotics and antibiotic ear drops. His mother was also counseled that, if this infection happens recurrently, which is a possibility, she should seek an ENT specialist in higher center to prevent the child from developing hearing issues in the future.
