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2018 - 2019 TRIP
In 2018, 2 teams in Project Aasha visited Biratnagar and Bung in Nepal
BUNG
The team visited Bung and Sotang, villages in the Solukhumbu District in North-Eastern Nepal. The team led by Dr Kumaran Rasappan and Dr Gayathri Devi consisted of 4 doctors, 2 physiotherapists, a sonographer, interpreters, as well as, 8 medical and 4 physiotherapy students.
The team conducted a health clinic at Sir Edmund Hillary Clinic in Bung. The team also visited Bung Health Post to conduct Maternal Health Emergencies education to the midwives and health assistants there. The team then visited the Shree Sagarmatha Secondary School in Bung and the Sotang Public Campus respectively to conduct lessons on First-Aid, Sanitation, Menstrual Health and Physiotherapy. Lastly, a visit to the Sotang Health Center was made to share with the locals various physiotherapy exercises.
BIRATNAGAR
A team comprising 8 medical students from Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine visited Biratnagar, Nepal. The team was led by Dr Rupesh Agrawal, a Consultant Ophthalmologist at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and was accompanied by Dr Jose, an ophthalmologist from Delhi.
Over the course of the trip, the team conducted an eye screening camp and a cataract surgical camp. The team also made a recce trip to Gyanchakshu School for the Visually Impaired, and Birat Medical College.
BUNG
SIR EDMUND HILLARY CLINIC
This picture shows a student taking history of a patient under supervision. The team saw a total of 177 patients across 5 villages from Sotang, Pelmang, Bung, Chheskam and Gudel. The health clinic provided free screening for villagers who were unable to afford normal medical treatments.
PHYSIOTHERAPY EXERCISES
Physiotherapists and SIT Physiotherapy students taught local physiotherapy exercises to the patients at the clinic. This was to better cater to the large demographics of patients presenting with musculoskeletal problems
ULTRASOUND SCAN
There were also many patients requireing antenatal-related screenings. Thus we also had the help of a sonographer
FIRST AID TEACHING
Aside from organizing health camps and conducting education for individual patients, the team focused strongly on ensuring the sustainability of our efforts through education to the general population. This picture shows us teaching First Aid to the students.
HEALTH EDUCATION ON SANITATION
We reached out to villagers, students and healthcare workers of Bung and Sotang, covering various aspects such as Maternal Health Emergencies, First Aid, Sanitation, Menstrual Health and Physiotherapy Exercises.
MATERNAL HEALTH EDUCATION
Simulation exercises with the MamaNatalie Birthing Simulator to teach the locals about maternal heath emergencies
PHYSIOTHERAPY TEACHING
Students were demonstrating various physiotherapy exercises to the locals present
SIR EDMUND HILLARY CLINIC
This picture shows a student taking history of a patient under supervision. The team saw a total of 177 patients across 5 villages from Sotang, Pelmang, Bung, Chheskam and Gudel. The health clinic provided free screening for villagers who were unable to afford normal medical treatments.
PHYSIOTHERAPY EXERCISES
Physiotherapists and SIT Physiotherapy students taught local physiotherapy exercises to the patients at the clinic. This was to better cater to the large demographics of patients presenting with musculoskeletal problems
ULTRASOUND SCAN
There were also many patients requireing antenatal-related screenings. Thus we also had the help of a sonographer
FIRST AID TEACHING
Aside from organizing health camps and conducting education for individual patients, the team focused strongly on ensuring the sustainability of our efforts through education to the general population. This picture shows us teaching First Aid to the students.
HEALTH EDUCATION ON SANITATION
We reached out to villagers, students and healthcare workers of Bung and Sotang, covering various aspects such as Maternal Health Emergencies, First Aid, Sanitation, Menstrual Health and Physiotherapy Exercises.
MATERNAL HEALTH EDUCATION
Simulation exercises with the MamaNatalie Birthing Simulator to teach the locals about maternal heath emergencies
PHYSIOTHERAPY TEACHING
Students were demonstrating various physiotherapy exercises to the locals present
SIR EDMUND HILLARY CLINIC
This picture shows a student taking history of a patient under supervision. The team saw a total of 177 patients across 5 villages from Sotang, Pelmang, Bung, Chheskam and Gudel. The health clinic provided free screening for villagers who were unable to afford normal medical treatments.
PHYSIOTHERAPY EXERCISES
Physiotherapists and SIT Physiotherapy students taught local physiotherapy exercises to the patients at the clinic. This was to better cater to the large demographics of patients presenting with musculoskeletal problems
ULTRASOUND SCAN
There were also many patients requireing antenatal-related screenings. Thus we also had the help of a sonographer
FIRST AID TEACHING
Aside from organizing health camps and conducting education for individual patients, the team focused strongly on ensuring the sustainability of our efforts through education to the general population. This picture shows us teaching First Aid to the students.
HEALTH EDUCATION ON SANITATION
We reached out to villagers, students and healthcare workers of Bung and Sotang, covering various aspects such as Maternal Health Emergencies, First Aid, Sanitation, Menstrual Health and Physiotherapy Exercises.
MATERNAL HEALTH EDUCATION
Simulation exercises with the MamaNatalie Birthing Simulator to teach the locals about maternal heath emergencies
PHYSIOTHERAPY TEACHING
Students were demonstrating various physiotherapy exercises to the locals present
SIR EDMUND HILLARY CLINIC
This picture shows a student taking history of a patient under supervision. The team saw a total of 177 patients across 5 villages from Sotang, Pelmang, Bung, Chheskam and Gudel. The health clinic provided free screening for villagers who were unable to afford normal medical treatments.
PHYSIOTHERAPY EXERCISES
Physiotherapists and SIT Physiotherapy students taught local physiotherapy exercises to the patients at the clinic. This was to better cater to the large demographics of patients presenting with musculoskeletal problems
ULTRASOUND SCAN
There were also many patients requireing antenatal-related screenings. Thus we also had the help of a sonographer
FIRST AID TEACHING
Aside from organizing health camps and conducting education for individual patients, the team focused strongly on ensuring the sustainability of our efforts through education to the general population. This picture shows us teaching First Aid to the students.
HEALTH EDUCATION ON SANITATION
We reached out to villagers, students and healthcare workers of Bung and Sotang, covering various aspects such as Maternal Health Emergencies, First Aid, Sanitation, Menstrual Health and Physiotherapy Exercises.
MATERNAL HEALTH EDUCATION
Simulation exercises with the MamaNatalie Birthing Simulator to teach the locals about maternal heath emergencies
PHYSIOTHERAPY TEACHING
Students were demonstrating various physiotherapy exercises to the locals present
SIR EDMUND HILLARY CLINIC
This picture shows a student taking history of a patient under supervision. The team saw a total of 177 patients across 5 villages from Sotang, Pelmang, Bung, Chheskam and Gudel. The health clinic provided free screening for villagers who were unable to afford normal medical treatments.
PHYSIOTHERAPY EXERCISES
Physiotherapists and SIT Physiotherapy students taught local physiotherapy exercises to the patients at the clinic. This was to better cater to the large demographics of patients presenting with musculoskeletal problems
ULTRASOUND SCAN
There were also many patients requireing antenatal-related screenings. Thus we also had the help of a sonographer
FIRST AID TEACHING
Aside from organizing health camps and conducting education for individual patients, the team focused strongly on ensuring the sustainability of our efforts through education to the general population. This picture shows us teaching First Aid to the students.
HEALTH EDUCATION ON SANITATION
We reached out to villagers, students and healthcare workers of Bung and Sotang, covering various aspects such as Maternal Health Emergencies, First Aid, Sanitation, Menstrual Health and Physiotherapy Exercises.
MATERNAL HEALTH EDUCATION
Simulation exercises with the MamaNatalie Birthing Simulator to teach the locals about maternal heath emergencies
PHYSIOTHERAPY TEACHING
Students were demonstrating various physiotherapy exercises to the locals present
BIRATNAGAR
STUDENTS CONDUCTING EYE EXAMINATION
Students from LKCSoM, accompanied by optometrists from Birat Eye Hospital, conducted eye screenings in rural villages of Sunsari and Morang on the outskirts of Biratnagar. Fundoscopy examinations, refraction error tests and a tumbling E eye chart were used to conclusively report the visual acuity of the patients. Patients eligible for cataract surgery were then bussed to Birat Eye Hospital.
SURGICAL TEAM WITH BIRAT EYE HOSPITAL
he team facilitated a surgical camp in which surgeons conducted 200 free-of-charge cataract surgeries.
CATARACT PATIENTS POST SURGERY
There were no complications 1-day post-surgery, and 1-week post-operative follow ups conducted by Birat Eye Hospital reported no complications as well. Along with patient information, the team also collated information on the barriers to health care via a survey, with the help of translators.
GYANCHAKSHU SCHOOL FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Towards the end of the trip, Project Aasha did a recce trip to Gyanchakshu School for the Visually Impaired. We successfully implemented a screening programme for all children currently in the school, as well as screenings for students who would enroll in the future. These screening programmes will be conducted free-of-charge by Birat Eye Hospital.
ESTABLISHING CONTACTS WITH BIRAT MEDICAL COLLEGE
The team also did a recce trip to Birat Medical College to explore possible avenues of collaboration.
STUDENTS CONDUCTING EYE EXAMINATION
Students from LKCSoM, accompanied by optometrists from Birat Eye Hospital, conducted eye screenings in rural villages of Sunsari and Morang on the outskirts of Biratnagar. Fundoscopy examinations, refraction error tests and a tumbling E eye chart were used to conclusively report the visual acuity of the patients. Patients eligible for cataract surgery were then bussed to Birat Eye Hospital.
SURGICAL TEAM WITH BIRAT EYE HOSPITAL
he team facilitated a surgical camp in which surgeons conducted 200 free-of-charge cataract surgeries.
CATARACT PATIENTS POST SURGERY
There were no complications 1-day post-surgery, and 1-week post-operative follow ups conducted by Birat Eye Hospital reported no complications as well. Along with patient information, the team also collated information on the barriers to health care via a survey, with the help of translators.
GYANCHAKSHU SCHOOL FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Towards the end of the trip, Project Aasha did a recce trip to Gyanchakshu School for the Visually Impaired. We successfully implemented a screening programme for all children currently in the school, as well as screenings for students who would enroll in the future. These screening programmes will be conducted free-of-charge by Birat Eye Hospital.
ESTABLISHING CONTACTS WITH BIRAT MEDICAL COLLEGE
The team also did a recce trip to Birat Medical College to explore possible avenues of collaboration.
STUDENTS CONDUCTING EYE EXAMINATION
Students from LKCSoM, accompanied by optometrists from Birat Eye Hospital, conducted eye screenings in rural villages of Sunsari and Morang on the outskirts of Biratnagar. Fundoscopy examinations, refraction error tests and a tumbling E eye chart were used to conclusively report the visual acuity of the patients. Patients eligible for cataract surgery were then bussed to Birat Eye Hospital.
SURGICAL TEAM WITH BIRAT EYE HOSPITAL
he team facilitated a surgical camp in which surgeons conducted 200 free-of-charge cataract surgeries.
CATARACT PATIENTS POST SURGERY
There were no complications 1-day post-surgery, and 1-week post-operative follow ups conducted by Birat Eye Hospital reported no complications as well. Along with patient information, the team also collated information on the barriers to health care via a survey, with the help of translators.
GYANCHAKSHU SCHOOL FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Towards the end of the trip, Project Aasha did a recce trip to Gyanchakshu School for the Visually Impaired. We successfully implemented a screening programme for all children currently in the school, as well as screenings for students who would enroll in the future. These screening programmes will be conducted free-of-charge by Birat Eye Hospital.
ESTABLISHING CONTACTS WITH BIRAT MEDICAL COLLEGE
The team also did a recce trip to Birat Medical College to explore possible avenues of collaboration.
STUDENTS CONDUCTING EYE EXAMINATION
Students from LKCSoM, accompanied by optometrists from Birat Eye Hospital, conducted eye screenings in rural villages of Sunsari and Morang on the outskirts of Biratnagar. Fundoscopy examinations, refraction error tests and a tumbling E eye chart were used to conclusively report the visual acuity of the patients. Patients eligible for cataract surgery were then bussed to Birat Eye Hospital.
SURGICAL TEAM WITH BIRAT EYE HOSPITAL
he team facilitated a surgical camp in which surgeons conducted 200 free-of-charge cataract surgeries.
CATARACT PATIENTS POST SURGERY
There were no complications 1-day post-surgery, and 1-week post-operative follow ups conducted by Birat Eye Hospital reported no complications as well. Along with patient information, the team also collated information on the barriers to health care via a survey, with the help of translators.
GYANCHAKSHU SCHOOL FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Towards the end of the trip, Project Aasha did a recce trip to Gyanchakshu School for the Visually Impaired. We successfully implemented a screening programme for all children currently in the school, as well as screenings for students who would enroll in the future. These screening programmes will be conducted free-of-charge by Birat Eye Hospital.
ESTABLISHING CONTACTS WITH BIRAT MEDICAL COLLEGE
The team also did a recce trip to Birat Medical College to explore possible avenues of collaboration.
STUDENTS CONDUCTING EYE EXAMINATION
Students from LKCSoM, accompanied by optometrists from Birat Eye Hospital, conducted eye screenings in rural villages of Sunsari and Morang on the outskirts of Biratnagar. Fundoscopy examinations, refraction error tests and a tumbling E eye chart were used to conclusively report the visual acuity of the patients. Patients eligible for cataract surgery were then bussed to Birat Eye Hospital.
SURGICAL TEAM WITH BIRAT EYE HOSPITAL
he team facilitated a surgical camp in which surgeons conducted 200 free-of-charge cataract surgeries.
CATARACT PATIENTS POST SURGERY
There were no complications 1-day post-surgery, and 1-week post-operative follow ups conducted by Birat Eye Hospital reported no complications as well. Along with patient information, the team also collated information on the barriers to health care via a survey, with the help of translators.
GYANCHAKSHU SCHOOL FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Towards the end of the trip, Project Aasha did a recce trip to Gyanchakshu School for the Visually Impaired. We successfully implemented a screening programme for all children currently in the school, as well as screenings for students who would enroll in the future. These screening programmes will be conducted free-of-charge by Birat Eye Hospital.
ESTABLISHING CONTACTS WITH BIRAT MEDICAL COLLEGE
The team also did a recce trip to Birat Medical College to explore possible avenues of collaboration.
STUDENTS CONDUCTING EYE EXAMINATION
Students from LKCSoM, accompanied by optometrists from Birat Eye Hospital, conducted eye screenings in rural villages of Sunsari and Morang on the outskirts of Biratnagar. Fundoscopy examinations, refraction error tests and a tumbling E eye chart were used to conclusively report the visual acuity of the patients. Patients eligible for cataract surgery were then bussed to Birat Eye Hospital.
SURGICAL TEAM WITH BIRAT EYE HOSPITAL
he team facilitated a surgical camp in which surgeons conducted 200 free-of-charge cataract surgeries.
CATARACT PATIENTS POST SURGERY
There were no complications 1-day post-surgery, and 1-week post-operative follow ups conducted by Birat Eye Hospital reported no complications as well. Along with patient information, the team also collated information on the barriers to health care via a survey, with the help of translators.
GYANCHAKSHU SCHOOL FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Towards the end of the trip, Project Aasha did a recce trip to Gyanchakshu School for the Visually Impaired. We successfully implemented a screening programme for all children currently in the school, as well as screenings for students who would enroll in the future. These screening programmes will be conducted free-of-charge by Birat Eye Hospital.
ESTABLISHING CONTACTS WITH BIRAT MEDICAL COLLEGE
The team also did a recce trip to Birat Medical College to explore possible avenues of collaboration.
POST - TRIP PROJECTS
BUNG
Project Aasha is currently in the process of publishing 3 abstracts under these conferences
The Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE) 2019 conference
Qualitative analysis shows that healthcare students value early
inter-professional collaboration during an overseas medical trip to Nepal
2nd International conference on Humanitarian Medical Missions 2019:
Students in action in Bung, Nepal and Maternal Health in Bung, Nepal
For more information, please refer to our post trip report and video.
BIRATNAGAR
Project Aasha is currently in the process of publishing 2 abstracts under these conferences
Epidemiological Study of Cataract in Peri-Urban Regions of Eastern Nepal
Barriers and Enablers to Eye Care in Peri Urban Regions of Eastern Nepal
For more information, please refer to our post trip report and video.
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