Hosting a follow-up Medical Camp in Khandbari

GWT returns to Khandbari

Located in the northeast of Nepal, Khandbari is a remote municipality set in the hilly Sankhuwasabha District. We held a Medical Camp there earlier this year in the district hospital, where we provided those in need with specialist hearing treatment, performed minor ear surgeries, and took measurements for prosthetic limbs.

In this smaller follow-up camp, our team assisted 66 patients with fitting mobility aids and prosthetics, as well as checking in with patients after their surgeries. Villagers who received new supportive devices said they will hugely improve their quality of life.

Helping Bishal walk in comfort

Fourteen-year-old Bishal travelled four hours by bus to reach our Medical Camp to receive a new leg brace. Born with clubfoot, he has always had difficulty walking, especially his daily journey to school which takes an hour and a half each way. “It is painful when I have to walk for a long time and it is also difficult for me to squat down,” he said.

After Bishal had a bit of practice walking with the new leg brace, he was thrilled with the result. “I had come to the Medical Camp to get checked and measured, now they have provided me with a leg brace which provides support to my leg. This is really helpful. Thank you.”

A new arm for Manita

Manita, aged 16, travelled to our Medical Camp from a nearby village in the Shovapokhari municipality. When she was ten years old, her left arm was amputated after she broke her hand. “I had fallen down and broken my left hand but couldn’t get proper treatment,” she told our team. “They tied my hand so hard that it had to be amputated…yes, it is very difficult.”

“I came to learn about the [GWT] Medical Camp through the village health worker. I was excited to get a new hand. I think it is a success. I saw myself in the mirror, I like it. Thank you very much for helping me.”

‘I am most grateful’

Dharma Raj Tamang lives locally, and attended our Medical Camp earlier in the year to have measurements taken for a prosthetic leg. “My leg got damaged while working in the field,” he said. “It was crushed by a stone and I couldn’t get treatment on time. It got worse and had to be cut off. It was in 1983 that the leg was amputated.”

After the accident, Dharma improvised with a wooden leg he had made himself, but he explained that it was uncomfortable and did not look very nice.

Now, at age 82, it is more important than ever that Dharma has a prosthetic leg which is comfortable and functional. He was very pleased with the one our team provided.  “The new leg looks really authentic, I am satisfied and very happy,” he said. “What can I say, I think my luck favoured me and I got to attend this Medical Camp. You have done a wonderful thing for which I am most grateful.”

Giving Tikaram independence

Thirteen years ago, Tikaram Wanem lost both hands and his right eye in a tragic fishing accident. He can only see from one eye, and he is unable to eat or drink on his own. It took him an entire day of walking to reach Khandbari from his own remote village.

Our team measured and fitted two prosthetic hands for Tikaram, which will now give him more independence to do everyday tasks like drinking water and holding utensils.

“I am very excited with the device that you have given me,” he said. “I have realised that if I train properly, I can do more than just be able to eat on my own.

“I am not sure what to say properly, but thank you to all the supporters.”