NEPALGUNJ, Dec 3: Sita Tharu, 41, looks quite happy these days. Like others in her Baijapur village of Raptisonari Rural Municipality – 4 of Banke district, she had never thought that 'the government could be so kind to her'. She had been suffering from severe body pain since the last nine months. As it coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking medical help for this health problem became quite challenging and she lived a hellish life for as long. "But now everything is fine. I am more than happy that they offered treatment at my own place and I am recovering fast," Tharu beamed.

Meghraj Tharu from the same village is no less elated. His problem related to hydrocele would give him unbearable pain. It was difficult to pee and even walk sometimes. Due to lack of money he never thought of reaching out to doctors. But now he's okay. The hospital operating in his area conducted his surgery for free. 

"I feel I have got a new life. I cannot thank the doctors enough. I didn't have to pay anything, not even a penny," he said. He added that the hospital is a boon to the poor people like him in the village. 

Chairperson of the Raptisonari Rural Municipality Lahuram Tharu had inaugurated the 15-bed hospital last week. People from far flung areas to the villages close by swarm to the hospital. And for locals, it's like a dream come true. According to the chairperson Lahuram, the hospital will maintain certain standards and will cater to the needs of as many people as possible. 

"No wonder this service has brought smiles here. People are greatly relieved. We are now busy preparing an action plan for effective service," he said. "A doctor and a few other staff have been running the hospital now. We are going to fill the other vacancies soon," he added. 

According to him, the hospital with 12 rooms is well equipped to conduct minor surgeries. Local organizations and individuals have garnered support for the hospital. 

"This has come into operation under the government's 'one basic hospital at one local level' policy. In fact, this is an upgradation of a local health center already in place here. We added facilities to it and upgraded it as a proper hospital," he further said. 

Under the policy, a lot of municipalities and rural municipalities have been extending health facilities to their villages. Narainapur Rural Municipality is another case in point. A five-bed hospital has been recently established there. But this is more dedicated to treating patients with COVID19 complications.  

Khajura Rural Municipality of Banke is not far behind in the race. Construction of a 15-bed hospital is underway here too.

 
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