Written by Hsiu-Lin Wu, Lam Kia Goh, Shao Lian Yu | Nepal 

First Health Check at Lumbini Community Center 

Since its founding on June 18, 2024, the Tzu Chi Community Center (TCCC) in Mahadeva Village, Lumbini, Nepal, has been a gathering place of love and service. The location, offered rent free by local volunteer Santosh, has hosted several significant events led by Tzu Chi volunteers from Malaysia and Singapore. On September 4, a special milestone was reached: the community’s first health check event. 

Meticulous Planning for a Seamless Event 

The health check kicked off early on September 4, with the medical team arriving at 8 a.m. to set up the space. Seven male and five female volunteers from the village joined them at the center, working side by side to ensure a smooth experience. Village residents, who are as familiar with each other as family, began arriving at 8:30 a.m., ready for their checkups. 

 "We distributed fifty health check cards yesterday, so today only fifty villagers with cards can participate," explained Malaysian volunteer Chong-Hoo Lee, one of the key organizers. The health cards were given to the families of twelve local volunteers, who had been invited to join in support of this initiative. This careful crowd control not only ensured a smooth trial run of the event but also introduced family members to the work of Tzu Chi, fostering a deeper understanding of the organization's mission and philosophy. 

A Helping Hand: Dr. Rafik's Compassionate Service 

Among the medical team was Dr. Rafik Khan, a young cardiologist from Gautam Buddha Heart Hospital. At just twenty-five years old, he has already completed his residency and is now a fully qualified doctor. His enthusiasm for helping others shone through as he patiently addressed villagers' questions. 

"I’m thrilled to be part of this health check event. Many of these people don’t have access to basic health education or government benefits," Dr. Rafik shared. He worked tirelessly, offering medical advice and providing crucial knowledge to residents who otherwise have limited access to healthcare. 

Empowered Volunteers: Young People Step Up 

The event was carefully structured to ensure villagers received holistic care. Five stations were set up in the courtyard of the community center: registration, blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, urine analysis, and doctor consultations. The goal was to emphasize the importance of preventive care and encourage villagers to be mindful of their health in daily life. 

Thirty-two-year-old nurse Rabindra Pal played a vital role in the health check. A graduate of nursing in 2014, Rabindra, though young, is a seasoned healthcare worker. Despite his busy schedule, he volunteered for the event, taking charge of the blood sugar tests. "This is my first time volunteering with Tzu Chi, and it’s been a beautiful day. The villagers are uneducated, so we have an obligation to check their blood pressure, sugar levels, and urine tests to help them." Rabindra’s dedication was palpable as he worked to give back to his community. 
 

Also pitching in was Seema, a twenty-five-year-old tourism major at Lumbini Buddhist University. Fluent in Chinese from her studies at South Sea Buddhist College, Seema always dreamed of becoming a nurse, but financial constraints prevented her from pursuing that path. However, the opportunity to participate in this health event felt like a dream come true. "I’m so lucky to help with the medical service, even though I’m not officially part of the medical team," she shared. Though her duties were non-medical, she was thrilled to learn new skills from the experienced volunteers. Rising at 3 a.m. to complete her household chores before volunteering, Seema’s dedication to helping others was evident in every task she performed. 

Extending Care: A House Visit with Dr. Rafik 

The compassion didn’t stop at the community center. During a village survey conducted in June, Malaysian volunteer Seng Hoong Hor discovered a girl with polio dragging herself across the ground due to her weakened legs. Seeing her plight, he dreamed of providing her with a wheelchair so she could move with dignity. The team followed up with her family and continued to monitor her condition. 

Another villager, a young girl named Sonmati Lodh, who lives just a short walk from the community center, was a focus of the team’s care. Volunteer Yean Kwang Koh, who had returned to Malaysia after the survey, couldn’t forget the girl’s helpless expression. She had a congenital heart defect that left her breathless after walking just a few steps. Upon hearing this, Chong-Hoo Lee and the volunteers brought Dr. Rafik to her home after the checkup, where he recommended sending her to NPO Hospital in Butwal for further evaluation. "The medical needs here are great, and I’m fortunate to contribute through this charitable work," Dr. Rafik reflected as he continued his mission of healing. 

Building a Foundation of Love and Health  

By 10 a.m., the number of villagers at the health check began to dwindle, and the local volunteers took their turn for medical screenings. Their participation deepened their understanding of the importance of these events, preparing them to take on future responsibilities in the health check initiative.  

The day concluded with a meeting led by Chong-Hoo Lee, who outlined the plan to hold health checks twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays. "We’ll limit each session to fifty people and ask volunteers to help schedule appointments and manage the process," he explained, pointing to a survey map of the village. With limited medical personnel in Lumbini, the involvement of local volunteers is essential for ensuring the continued success of the program. 

Volunteer Bitisha Bhandari, who coordinated the day’s event, was both relieved and grateful. "Everything went smoothly, and I’m thankful to our senior volunteers for their guidance. Of the fifty cards distributed, forty-five people came today," she shared. Her tireless work had paid off, and she looks forward to future events unfolding just as smoothly. 

The Tzu Chi volunteers plan to continue this work, holding health checks twice a week at the Mahadeva Village community center. They hope that more local volunteers and medical professionals will join the team, strengthening the program’s ability to care for the health and well-being of the entire village.