Health camp at Dasharath stadium provides services to displaced squatters
Kathmandu: The government has stated that it is providing multi-faceted health services to squatters displaced from the banks of the Bagmati River and its tributaries through a health camp at Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwor.
Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr. Bikash Devkota, said efforts are being made to extend health services to as many affected citizens as possible. According to him, the camp is offering services including pediatrics, gynecology, dental care, and psychosocial counseling.
Individuals registering their details at the stadium are receiving health services through the assistance and treatment unit established there.
“As of Friday evening, 68 people have received services. We have provided treatment to the extent possible, and those requiring further care are being referred to government hospitals,” said Secretary Dr. Devkota. He added that a significant number of people have sought eye and dental services at another camp operating in Kirtipur.
Outpatient Department (OPD) services at Dasharath Stadium are being run under the leadership of Shukraraj Tropical and Infectious Diseases Hospital, with a team of five health workers, including the hospital director, deployed at the site.
Additionally, one doctor and one nurse have been mobilized from Paropkar Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, four doctors and nurses from Patan Mental Hospital, and a pediatrician along with a nurse from Kanti Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Basudev Karki of Patan Mental Hospital said that those seeking psychosocial counseling are being provided with necessary medicines along with counseling services.
Dr. Jagarnath Sah of Kanti Children’s Hospital said that a team of nurses has been deployed to address health issues related to children.
According to the Ministry of Health, logistics coordination is being carried out with the Medicines and Essential Health Supplies Management Division and the Department of Health Services. Bir Hospital is leading service operations in the Kirtipur area.
“Since today is the first day, one doctor and one nurse have been assigned to each service. Health workers from Kathmandu Metropolitan City, various departments, and ministries have also been mobilized. There is no shortage of manpower,” said Secretary Devkota. “Based on today’s experience, we will work on improving management from tomorrow.”
He noted that health camps are crucial for early identification and treatment, as displacement can cause psychosocial stress and may lead to the recurrence of existing illnesses or the development of new infections.