KATHMANDU, JUNE 15: After being sent back home from the Maharajgunj-based Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) about a month ago, 26-year-old Ramraja Thapa has been readmitted to the hospital. Although Ramraja's family had to quarrel enough with the hospital authorities to get him admitted, the anxiety of managing money for his treatment grips them tight.

KATHMANDU, March 22: Rajaram Thapa lies helpless in the emergency ward of the Teaching Hospital while his mother, who is herself ailing, tries to console him. Hardly able to speak or look around, the 26-year-old who was attacked with acid 13 days ago,  reportedly by his wife, knows that his family cannot afford to pay for his treatment. Over Rs 300,000 has already been spent so far and doctors said a few more costly surgeries are still needed. According to the victim’s elder brother Subhuraj Thapa, there is no money for further treatment.

KATHMANDU, Oct 23: Brought to Kirtipur Hospital after suffering an acid attack a month and a half ago, Muskan Khatun, 14, is under the care of doctors and nurses full time. She is given painkillers and other medication to keep her calm. But she screams out intermittently in sheer agony. At other times also there is pain written all over her face. She is gradually losing weight and looks frail.