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Dho Tarap- Dolpa
September 11-13, 2019

Ek Ek Paila Health Service Report:
19th Paila

Hepatitis B:
There seems to be an alarmingly high percentage of people with Hepatitis B in Dho Tarap, Dolpa. In this health service among adults, 1 of 4 tested positive. These are based on our laboratory results. A further survey will be necessary to estimate the accurate prevalence for Hepatitis B (positive / negative) in this population, however our findings cannot be ignored as it may represent a true reflection of the scenario in the Upper Dolpa region.

We request the Ministry of Health to treat those infected with Hepatitis B and start an immunization program for the non infected individuals. Ek Ek Paila is wanting to collaborate with the government in formulating a program for the prevention and treatment of Hepatitis B under the expertise of Dr. Sudhamshu KC (hepatologist).

Blindness:
The last cataract surgical camp in Dho Tarap was held more than 15 years ago. In 2012, a surgical camp was held at Shey Gumba, which is a two days walk from Dho Tarap.

There were 4 elderly people blinded by cataracts in both eyes for more than 2 years. They had come all the way from faraway settlements such as Namdo and Simen, brought by family members on a horse back. We were successful in restoring vision to all of them. Altogether 40 cataract surgeries were performed.

This is the second time we have partnered with Surkhet Eye Hospital (earlier in our 18th Paila to Jajarkot). At both times, we have had a wonderful working experience. We sincerely hope we will continue to work together to provide services to the needlessly blind people residing in remote areas of Nepal.

Total number of patients examined - 930
Total cross consultation - 2316

Eye - 308, (Cataract surgery 40)
General medicine - 519
Pediatrics - 173
Gynecology - 207, (cervical cancer screening with VIA 9 positive)
Dental - 359 (extractions 58)
ENT - 139
Dermatology - 101
Radiology- 166
Pathology - 346 ( HbsAg positive 96, HIV positive 1, HCV positive 3 - need to be reconfirmed with Elisa).

Ek Ek Paila:
Ek Ek Paila is a team of volunteers that provide free medical services in remote areas of Nepal. We do not accept foreign aid for our services, because we are generously supported by Nepalese donors, Nepali led organizations and the local government, thus making our services financially sustainable. We are non political and the choice of our service areas are solely decided by our team members based upon the need for service. In the area of service, the local government contribute towards the logistic for the team, such as accommodation and food, thus cutting down on our overhead costs.

Local organizers:
Dho Tarap Buddha VDC - We would like to thank Gyalpo Bhote, (Chief of the village) and his team for allowing us to be of service to the people to Dho. Their kind hospitality and the fanfare during the festival of Dho will not be forgotten. The traditional dresses, cultural dances, horse racing and archery competitions are but some of the memories we will cherish.

Donors and partners:
Most importantly, we would like to thank all individual donors of Ek Ek Paila. Our services wouldn’t have been possible without your help. And to all those who have attended our Music for Medicine fundraiser initiative by Ek Ek Paila & The Blue Fret.

We would like to thank Mountain Helicopters and Sita Air for partnering with us and becoming our official airline bearers for reaching remote areas. Our overhead costs on air travel have been dramatically cut down. Similarly, Yeti Airlines for making us a part of their Sustainable Development Goals. We thank Laxmi Bank for partnering with us on a long term basis without private company publicity, such as company banners on the field, thus giving credit to those volunteers who work on the spot and our individual donors. Thank you for understanding our working principle and philosophy. We would also like to thank various pharmaceutical companies for providing samples of medicines.

Team:
1. Dr. Suman S. Thapa - Eye
2. Dr. Sudhamshu KC - GM, Liver
3. Dr. Pratikshya Shrestha-GM
4. Dr. Melina Hamal - GM
5. Dr. Sapana Amatya Vaidya -Gynecology
6. Dr. Richa Giri -Gynecology
7. Dr. Santosh Basnet -ENT
8. Dr. Shrishti Shrestha -Dermatology
9. Dr. Bishnu Rath Giri - Pediatrics
10. Dr. Binita Adhikary - Dental
11. Dr. Aquila Shreshtha -Dental
12. Dr. Sanad Dulal- Dental
13. Dr. Rewaz Acharya - Radiology
14. Sekhar Chhetri - logistics
15. Ashish Bhattarai - logistics
16. Prajwal Aryal -logistics
17. Raju KC - logistics
18. Dolkar Ghale - Lab Technician, counselor
19. Samjhana Khakurel -Lab Technician
20. Salina Rajbhandary Pharmacy
21. Prem Dixit- Surkhet Eye Hospital
22. Santa Sherpa - Surkhet Eye Hospital
23. Akash Tamang - Surkhet Eye Hospital
24. Pradeep J. Shah - Surkhet Eye Hospital
25. Ranup Shrestha - Documentation
26. Local volunteers from Dho.

Details of the Pre camp screening for cataracts:

This was undertaken from August 27 to September 8, 2019 by a team from Surkhet Eye Hospital. The screening was done at 12 sites, where 421 patients were screened and 49 referred.

The team members and the places visited were -
Santa Sherpa (Ophthalmic Assistant)
Yagya Malla (Helper)

1. Tapricha -Examined 32, Referred 4
2. Sey Phoksundo -Examined 19, Referred 3
3. Sey Gumba - Referred 3
4. Karang - Examined 39, Referred 8
5. Saldang - Examined 69, Referred 12
6. Komas - Examined 34, Referred 2
7. Tinje- Examined 65, Referred 12

Total Examined 257
Total Referred 37

Akash Tamang (Ophthalmic Assistant)
Bishnu Bika (Helper)

1. Namdo Sahatara - Examined 50, Referred 5
2. Kagkot Examined 51, Referred 2
3. Seri - Examined 27, Referred 1
4. Dhandgaon- Examined 25, Referred 2
5. Charkabot - Examined 12, Referred 2

Total Examined 164
Total Referred 12

19th Paila Dho Dolpa
Day 4 UPDATE
Our team has been airlifted from Juphal to Dho...
There is no communication at Dho as of now. Will update more as we get connected.

19th Paila UPDATE
DAY 3
At Juphal... Getting ready to serve at Dho...

UPDATE:
19th Paila Dho, Dolpa Day 2 (AM)
Our TEAM has moved towards their second stop at Juphal Airport in Dolpa this morning on their way to Dho...
After a delicious musical evening, last night...

Thank you Dr. Sujata Dangol of LKS Dental solutions for generous donations. We are heading to Dolpa for 19th camp.