Man establishes health center in remote village in memory of late sister

OKHALDHUNGA, Oct 29: In memory of his late sister Dali, Ngima Sherpa of Siddhicharan Municipality-6, Jantarkhani, has established a health post in Damar.

Five years ago, Nigma's sister Dali lost her life while delivering a baby due to heavy bleeding. So as to make sure that no other woman dies the death of his sister, Ngima recently established Dali Sherpa Memorial Service Center (DSMSC). Founder Sherpa stated that no woman should die a premature death like her sister due to the lack of treatment.

"Very few women in our community go for checkups during pregnancy. Most health posts are far away. Therefore, I decided to establish a health center nearby," he said. This center has benefited the locals living in various villages of Solukhumbu and Okhaldhunga.

According to Buddhibir Tamang, assistant health officer at the center, the people living in Dikure, Tapting, Jhapre of Solu and Bakhre, Nalidanda, Majhkharka, Surke, Ghattekhola and Damar of Okhaldhunga are being benefited by DSMSC.

"We have been providing free regular checkups to pregnant women, treatment for common wounds, infections, common cold as well as tests and counseling for other diseases," said Tamang. Earlier, locals of Damar were compelled to go to Jantarkhani of Okhaldhunga or Khamding of Solukhumbu even for minor checkups and treatment. They had to walk for at least two hours to reach there.

DSMSC has also been conducting monthly health clinics in Patle, Chemarding and Dorakharka. Recently, a new building was constructed for the health center. An Italian organization named Kaja Alicia donated around Rs 1.2 million for the building. Founder Ngima further said that Four Golden Sherpa Trust New Zealand has been assisting the health center for medicines and manpower.

Preparations are underway to construct buildings in Patle and Chemarding to extend the service of the center.