NP Winter Amp Day 7

Day 7: Thursday, Jan 9

Dhulikhel Hospital, water treatment plant

By Rafian Aziz

After enjoying breakfast with a stunning view at Dhulikhel Lodge, we headed straight to Dhulikhel Hospital. There we met our local collaborators, Shreya, the Global Engagement Officer, and Yunika, a Project coordinator staff. They gave us a tour of the local hospital, shared its history, and explained how Dhulikhel Hospital has become vital to the community. During the visit, Shreya also showed us a video presentation about Dr. Ram Shrestha, the hospital's founder. We also learned that the hospital operates 18 healthcare centers across the province, alongside a microfinance center for women, offering small loans at relatively low interest rates.

After the hospital tour, we explored the water treatment plant, where we met Sanil and Vaskar. They guided us through the plant, explaining how it processes dirty iron-contaminated water from spring runoff to make it suitable for sanitation and other non-drinking purposes.

Next, we had the opportunity to meet the students from the MIEH-333 program, led by Dr. Leena Malayil. After an engaging discussion, the students were awarded certificates for successfully completing the program. Then a brief courtesy visit to the co-research partners administrator of Dhulikhel hospital in the person of Dr Biraj, administrative director, and Dr Rajiv, chief officer of development. Later, we visited one of the primary healthcare centers operated by Dhulikhel Hospital to see their field-level operations. The staff demonstrated how they provide primary healthcare services, including general checkups, abortion care, and treatment for dog bites. In some cases, they also assist with childbirth.

We ended our day with a visit to the local municipality, where the officials discussed their key initiatives, such as reducing suicide rates and tuberculosis cases by going door to door with the help of local volunteers. They also shared how the municipality achieved the distinction of becoming one of Nepal’s only second-grade cities.