On August 20, the free clinic in Lumbini, Nepal, opened its doors to dozens of local women seeking medical care. Dr. Arati Shrestha, a gynecologist from Devdaha Medical College, examined between 40 and 50 patients throughout the day. What she encountered went beyond routine check-ups; it revealed a deep-seated crisis in women's health within the rural community. Many women lacked not only medical treatment but also basic sanitary supplies and health knowledge.

Uncovering hidden health struggles

During the consultations, Dr. Shrestha noticed a recurring and preventable issue. About 80 percent of the women she saw were suffering from infections and discharge, largely stemming from a lack of health awareness. Unable to afford sanitary pads, many resort to using unhygienic pieces of cloth. This often leads to severe infections that they are too embarrassed to discuss.

A patient told me, 'I have no money to buy sanitary pads; please prescribe some for me.' At Devdaha Medical College, patients can usually afford their medical expenses. I never expected a patient here to ask me for sanitary pads. It highlights how these women have neither the money for treatment nor a place to seek help. — Dr. Arati Shrestha, Gynecologist at Devdaha Medical College

The language barrier further isolates these women. Most speak the regional Awadhi dialect and cannot communicate their symptoms in Nepali or Hindi. For many, this visit to the free clinic was their first time seeing a gynecologist. Dr. Shrestha emphasized the urgent need for health education and preventive care, particularly cervical cancer screenings. She diagnosed several young, unmarried women with infections, while also noting the risks of sexually transmitted diseases and early-stage cancers among married patients. Providing free medical care and continuous health education is crucial to lowering the incidence of cervical cancer among women in Nepal.

Even if it is just for one day, we can come and treat those who urgently need help. We should be grateful to Tzu Chi. If the 50 women who came today went to an outside hospital, they would have to pay a high fee. But the Tzu Chi free clinic provides free consultations and medication, allowing me to listen to the suffering of 50 people today and do my best to provide treatment. I believe that I and the entire Devdaha Medical College team will feel joyful about this. — Dr. Arati Shrestha, Gynecologist at Devdaha Medical College

Collaborative efforts in medical care

This vital gynecological service is part of a broader initiative following a memorandum of understanding signed with Devdaha Medical College in July. Since August, specialists in orthopedics, pediatrics, and now gynecology have been providing regular consultations at the clinic.

To support these efforts, a mobile medical vehicle, previously transferred to the Kapilavastu Municipality, was deployed to the clinic. Dr. Naseem Akhtar, a medical officer for the municipality, brought ultrasound equipment to assist with diagnoses alongside an ultrasound technician from the medical college.

If the condition is manageable, we provide health education and medication. Otherwise, we refer them to relevant medical institutions. Coming to the free clinic today, I see that it is managed very methodically, and specialized gynecologists are personally caring for the villagers. This is unlike Kapilavastu, which currently does not have any specialists. Tzu Chi has truly provided great help to the villagers of Lumbini. — Dr. Naseem Akhtar, Medical Officer for Kapilavastu Municipality

The mobile vehicle regularly travels through various neighborhoods, offering blood tests, blood pressure monitoring, ultrasound scans, and syphilis screenings for pregnant women. The collaboration between the local government, medical colleges, and international volunteers ensures that comprehensive care reaches those who need it most.

Building a healthier future

To oversee these medical developments, Tzu Chi Foundation Vice President Pi-Yu Lin (林靜憪) visited the clinic and the construction site of the upcoming hospital in Lumbini. During her visit, accompanied by volunteers Kiat Beng Tang (陳吉民), Chen Hua Ching (莊菀佳), and Meow Hong Lee (李妙紅), she officially capped Sangita Chhetri as head nurse and expressed gratitude to the attending doctors for their dedication to the community.

The new hospital, scheduled to open in March 2027, aims to provide 100 beds and essential emergency services to the local population. It will be the first hospital in Lumbini equipped with a CT scanner, specialized departments, and inpatient beds. The facility is expected to transform the healthcare landscape, ensuring villagers no longer have to travel far for urgent medical attention.

Dr. Tang reflected on the journey since the clinic was established. While finding full-time general practitioners was manageable, the community desperately needed specialists to prevent families from losing vital income due to traveling for medical care. The partnership with Devdaha Medical College has bridged this gap, bringing weekly specialist care directly to the villagers.

From the simple request for a sanitary pad to the deployment of advanced medical equipment, the collaborative efforts in Lumbini are slowly but steadily improving the lives of rural women. With the continued dedication of medical professionals and volunteers, the community is building a stronger, healthier foundation for the future.

Written by Jennifer Pai (白如璐)