For over two decades, the Aama Health Post in Lumbini’s Ward 12 struggled with a fundamental necessity: water. Without a reliable water supply, the clinic’s daily operations were severely hindered, leading to unhygienic conditions and a decline in patient visits to just 35 people a day. Staff members were forced to bring their own water from home, and villagers had to walk up to 15 minutes just to find a public pump to fetch water or clean the facilities.

Because of this situation, people didn't trust the services here. They preferred to go to India for medical treatment rather than visit the health post in their own village. — Rajesh Kumar Yadav, Head of Aama Health Post

Striking water at 500 feet

The severe water shortage was a known issue, but previous attempts to resolve it had failed. The local government had once drilled up to 140 feet deep without finding a viable water source, eventually halting the project due to a lack of funds. The situation remained dire until May 2023, when a dedicated team stepped in to try again.

Volunteer Dhundup Lama explained that when the drilling team reached 300 feet and still found no groundwater, they refused to give up. They continued to drill deeper. Finally, at a depth of over 500 feet, they struck a clean, abundant water source.

The drilling process took a full week and was fraught with challenges, including the drilling machine breaking down twice. However, the perseverance paid off. When the water was tested, the results showed it was not only safe but clean enough to drink directly from the source. On May 25, 2023, a new hand-pressed pump was officially inaugurated, marking the first deep well installed by volunteers in the area.

A ripple effect of relief

The new well did more than just supply the clinic; it became a vital resource for the surrounding neighborhood.

"Not only the health post but this water pump is also open to the public," Dhundup shared. "More than 25 households around the health post have benefited from this, gaining access to a clean water source alongside the clinic."

To ensure a consistent and modern water system, the team later installed an electric pumping system and a water tower. The impact on the daily lives of the residents was immediate and profound.

Now the situation has improved a lot. We have water pipes here and all the facilities needed to maintain hygiene. — Kanchanlata Dasaudhi, Local Resident

A few years ago, these facilities were not available. I am grateful for the convenience now; I no longer have to worry about finding water or going to the toilet when coming to the health post, which is a relief. — Bindubasani Bari, Local Resident

Healing the healthcare center

With the water crisis resolved, attention turned to upgrading the clinic's overall environment and capabilities. Dr. Kiat Beng Tang (陳吉民), the volunteer lead in Tzu Chi Nepal, vividly recalled the clinic's poor condition during his initial visits, noting the lack of management and hygiene.

Recognizing the clinic's strategic importance—located just two kilometers from the Indian border and serving both Nepalese and Indian patients—Dr. Tang and the volunteer team worked closely with the local village chief to transform Aama Health Post into a model healthcare facility for the Lumbini region.

The building underwent significant renovations, including the addition of a training classroom. New beds, privacy curtains, storage shelves, and medical equipment were brought in to elevate the standard of care. Furthermore, medical training courses were organized to enhance the professional skills of the local healthcare staff.

Rebuilding community trust

The transformation of the physical space and the availability of running water brought a renewed sense of pride and reliability to the Aama Health Post. Trust within the community has been restored, and the clinic now serves a broader area, including residents from neighboring wards.

Rajesh noted that the clinic's daily patient count has more than doubled; now serving over 80 patients a day. "Sometimes even Indians come to the health post for routine check-ups," he shared. Beyond general outpatient services, the clinic has expanded its offerings to include childhood vaccinations, growth monitoring, nutritional programs, and comprehensive prenatal care.

Having this health post in my village is a great blessing for the community. I can get here in ten minutes by bicycle; without this facility, it would take me an hour to get to the Lumbini Primary Health Center. — Sarbjit Lodh, Resident and Patient

With a newly established Ward 12 office right next door, foot traffic around the clinic has increased, and the public pump continues to serve everyone who passes by. Through the simple yet profound gift of clean water, a struggling clinic was revived, ensuring that rural families no longer have to look far for the care and dignity they deserve.

Written by Anish (馬健智)

Edited by Yu-Chen Pan (潘俞臻)