BAGLUNG: On July 28, 2025, the remote and rugged hills of Dhorpatan witnessed a powerful gesture of compassion as the Nova Nepal Foundation, in partnership with Dhorpatan Municipality and Osisara, organized a free health camp specifically for senior citizens.

The one-day event brought essential medical services to over 88 residents, many of whom have lived their entire lives without regular access to healthcare.

For generations, the elderly community of Dhorpatan has silently endured chronic pain and preventable illnesses, often normalizing suffering as a part of life. The foundation’s initiative was a direct response to this stark reality, aiming not only to treat ailments but also to restore a sense of dignity and hope.

The camp provided a range of crucial services tailored to the community’s needs. Dr. Raj K. Shrestha, a respected Orthopedic Surgeon, volunteered his expertise to conduct specialized consultations for bone and joint issues—a prevalent problem in the mountainous region. Many elderly participants received treatment for conditions like arthritis and muscle stiffness that they had long dismissed as irreversible effects of aging.

In addition to orthopedic care, the team offered general health check-ups, including blood pressure monitoring, and distributed a carefully selected stock of essential medicines free of charge. Volunteers also provided health awareness counseling, patiently explaining symptoms, treatment, and, most importantly, empowering residents to seek help and stop normalizing their pain.

The impact of the camp resonated deeply, far beyond the medical statistics. The event was filled with moving personal stories that highlighted the profound need for such initiatives. One elderly couple, who had walked for nearly two hours to reach the camp, shared their joy after a consultation. “This hand hadn’t moved for days,” they said. “After today’s checkup, it feels like we’ve lived another lifetime.”

In another powerful moment, the medical team treated a young girl with a mild fever, whose anxious parents feared she might not survive due to the lack of accessible doctors. With a simple thermometer, paracetamol, and reassuring words, the team not only treated the child but also replaced deep-seated fear with vital health knowledge.

Reflecting on the experience, organizers noted the challenges of logistics and transportation in such a remote area but emphasized that these hurdles only reinforced the necessity of their presence.

Building on the success of this event, the Nova Nepal Foundation has announced plans for a sustained effort in the region. Future initiatives will include follow-up camps to monitor patients, the introduction of expanded services like dental and eye care, and the creation of a digitized health record system to ensure long-term, continuous care for Dhorpatan’s citizens.

“This was our first step in Dhorpatan, but certainly not our last,” said Nikita Thapa of the Nova Nepal Foundation. “We are here because these communities deserve to be cared for with dignity. Our commitment is to continue returning, listening, and working until basic healthcare becomes simply ‘healthcare’ for everyone.”