Health Camp in Suntakhan

July 28, 2024

With the aim to provide basic health care services, to raise awareness for prevention and health promotion as well as to support local health care institutions, in June 2024 Akasha Academy organized its third health camp in Suntakhan.

After last year’s successful health camp in Okhreni, on 22nd June 2024 Akasha Academy organized its third health camp at the Baluwa health post in Suntakhan, Gokarneshwor district (Ward No. 3).

In collaboration with the Nepal Medical Students Society (NMSS) as well as doctors and pharmacists from the area, free health check-ups, basic treatments, medicine and health promotion services were provided.

Despite the busy harvest season, many people found their way to the health camp on this sunny day. In total, we registered around 220 women, men and children.

Improving health care access for communities around Kathmandu

The locality of the Baluwa health post offered ideal conditions for a professional set-up of the health camp. After registration at the entrance, our team took basic measurements such as blood pressure as well as height and weight for Body Mass Index calculation. People then had the chance to attend general check-ups or, if required, could see a doctor for consultation, further diagnostics such as diabetes screening or basic treatment.

The most common ailments seen during the day were high blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, musculo-skeletal issues, painful menstruation, chest pain, hearing difficulties, breathing problems and common cold, especially in children. While the health care staff took care of common health issues directly on site, patients with acute or more complex disorders were transferred to a nearby hospital. Pharmacists handed out and advised people on the use of prescribed medicaments.

“Recently, I was not able to hear properly. Sometimes, I have headaches and wanted to know if it has caused the hearing problems. Additionally, I have stomach problems. At the health camp, I received medication for gastritis and advice to consult a hospital for proper screening.”
Dambar Bhujel (42 years, from Suntakhan)
“Due to uterus problems, I have been taking medicines for a while and wanted to check if the medicine works. At the health camp I got a health check-up, and the doctor recommended me to go to hospital for treatment as the muscle of uterus seems swollen, and I also have high blood pressure.”
Soni Sherpa (53 years old, from Suntakhan)

Prevention, health promotion and women empowerment – cornerstones for sustainable change

A whole section was reserved for prevention and health promotion services with a special focus on women’s health. Information and special counselling were offered by our staff members and students of the Akasha Traineeship.

Dibika Rai, who is a former Akasha trainee and now works as a community mobilizer for Akasha Academy, informed about menstrual health and gave practical advice on how to use different menstrual hygiene products.

As menstruation is a still a widespread taboo topic in Nepal, many women experience discrimination as well as health issues due to unawareness and misconceptions of natural processes within their bodies. Education about the topic is therefore important to empower them and to create conditions for equal opportunities for women in Nepal’s communities and beyond.
“I came to the health camp because I am pregnant and wanted to know how my baby is doing. The doctor did a health check-up and prescribed some medication like iron folic tablets.”
Sushila Tamang (23 years old, from Suntakhan)

With the aim to improve food safety and to support a healthy lifestyle, students from this year’s Akasha Traineeship cohort advised participants on the benefits of a balance diet and how convenience food can be replaced by more nutritious alternatives. It was especially inspiring to see how they could share their knowledge and engaged in meaningful conversations with the attendees.

Leading by example, our staff and the team of the newly established Akasha Artisan Bakery prepared a nutritious breakfast and lunch for all who actively contributed to the successful event. Most ingredients were home-grown on our model farm for biological regenerative agriculture.

Making a difference with joint effort

We are happy to see that with joint forces we could assist so many people from the area in and around Suntakhan. A special thank you goes to the Anna-Hellwege-Foundation, which generously funded this year’s health camp.

We are looking forward to the next one in 2025 when we will extend our services to more remote regions in Nepal where access to health care is very limited and support much needed.

With your support, we can make our next health camp happen. Help us build stronger networks of contributors who work together for a more accessible, affordable and resilient healthcare infrastructure in Nepal!