Free health camp benefits locals on outskirts of Nepali capital

At least half of the population of Siddipur Village Development Committee (VDC) in Nepali capital of Kathmandu is expected to benefit from the free one-day health camp that is being organized in the area Saturday. The VDC is approximately 29 km away from the capital, and is listed as one of the districts having a high poverty rate of 50 percent. A joint effort by Arniko Society in Nepal, Community Health Promotion Center and Siddipur Peace and Development Center, the free health camp is offering all the medical facilities required for health check-up. A large number of locals had gathered at the premises of Siddhipur Higher Secondary School where the health camp is set up. Welcoming Chief Guest of the inauguration program, the Ambassador of China to Nepal Yang Houlan, local people -- women and children alike -- waved the national flags of Nepal and China. A group of people also played traditional instrument during the greeting ceremony. Speaking at the inaugural event, Dr. Harish Chandra Shah, chairman of the society, shed light on the important aspects of Nepal-China friendly relations. "Nepal and China are friends since time immemorial and Nepal has received support from China in all aspects of development," Shah said. Likewise, he also said that the health camp was significant in strengthening Nepal-China relations at people's level. Arniko Society is an alumni association of communities and students who used to study in China. Established in 1986, this is the fifth time the society is offering its free health service to people in rural areas of the capital who have less access to modern facilities. Talking to Xinhua, Dr. Amit Mani Upadhyaya said that all the doctors and health workers in the camp had graduated from China in medical faculty. According to Upadhyaya, who is also a member of the Arniko Society, more than 40 experienced doctors from major hospitals of the country were offering their support in the health camp. All doctors had graduated from China, he said. "We conduct this program in areas which although being nearby the capital, is less developed, is densely populated and who do not have easy access to the facilties," Upadhyaya said. The program includes specialists in various diseases along with services of video x-ray, ultrasound, ECG, blood tests, among others. The village has some 6,000 residents. Kishor Maharjan, a local in the village said, "I am happy and grateful for the initiative that the organizers have made for us. I have come here with my entire family."