Meet Ezina Rai, Mobile Health Practitioner in Nepal
As the population of Gurkha veterans and their widows in Nepal age, the medical support that The Gurkha Welfare Trust provides becomes increasingly important. As well as holding regular clinics at our Area Welfare Centres, it is essential to have a team of Mobile Health Practitioners who will travel into the rural and often remote parts of Nepal to deliver medical aid to those who are unable to travel to clinics.
We spoke to Ezina Rai who has been working for The Gurkha Welfare Trust in Nepal for two years. She began her role with us as a Medical Centre Assistant in Dharan but has recently been promoted to a Mobile Health Practitioner (MHP), and has relocated to Baglung, 584km away.
Why did you chose to work for The Gurkha Welfare Trust
Before working at GWTN , I was an Intensive Care Unit Nurse at Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital. Working for the GWTN appealed me because of the opportunity to contribute to meaningful humanitarian work, to support veterans and their families and to make a positive impact on veterans by reaching out to them through door-to-door health services.
Additionally, the chance to work with a dedicated team committed to service and social responsibility could be fulfilling.
What challenges have you faced in your role?
Challenges that I faced as MHP was providing health care services in remote areas or resource limited areas via motorbike [adventurous road trip, weather challenges].
However overcoming these obstacles can be rewarding as it allows me to make a tangible difference in health and well-being of those who I serve. The longest journey that I have taken to reach our pensioner was Sikha, Kindu, where I travelled from Patrol Base Baglung to Sikha, Kindu. The trip was over 80km each way and took two days to complete.
Without the support of efficient and excellent bike riders of PB Baglung I would never be able to reach these needy beneficiaries.
What do you like most about your role with The Trust?
My favourite part of the job is to helping ex-servicemen by providing door to door health services, building good relationships , continuous learning , good problem solving and making a good impact on veterans lives.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I like to read books, take short hikes, practice self care, explore nature and connect with loved ones.
