ROLPA, June 7: Thirty-two years old Nirmala BK, a former Maoist combatant also known as 'Sadhana', hailing from Tribeni Rural Municipality-5 of Rolpa, who has been suffering from mental health problems for years, has finally received medical treatment.

Eight years ago, Nirmala got bed-ridden due to epilepsy. However, it has been three years since her health deteriorated further, compelling her to live a horrible life. As her family lacked the money for her treatment, she had been battling with death. After Republica published a news story titled 'Once a Maoist combatant, now a mental case' about Nirmala on Tuesday, an organization named Manav Sewa Ashram, in coordination with Bir Bahadur Rai, under-secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, has assured financial help for her treatment. The team has already taken Nirmala to Butwal for treatment."The heart-touching story of a former Maoist combatant published in Republica compelled us to think. After reading the story, we talked to the local administration, local unit and the Ashram for the rescue of the victim," said Rai, adding, "She has now been rescued by the ashram and the ministry is ready to provide her the required help."

Nirmala, who used to sleep on the floor, was in a semi-conscious state when she was rescued. Three years ago, she had mistakenly put her both legs in fire in the absence of other members of her family. As the family had no money for treating her injured feet, they relied on herbal medicines but that did not work. As her burnt feet started smelling, her family members made her sleep in a shed.

Her husband Purban BK, also known as 'Prabhakar', is currently in India with his second wife. Nirmala has been living with her in-laws and an eight years old son. Manav Sewa Ashram, which has already provided free treatment to around 1,800 underprivileged people suffering from mental health problems, has assured to treat Nirmala and bring her back to her family.

"We have rescued several people from the streets and provided them treatment for mental problems," said Suman Badtaula of Manav Sewa Ashram, adding, "We have aimed making Nepal free of homeless people living on the streets by 2028."

Shanta Kumar Oli, chairperson of Tribeni Rural Municipality, praised the Ashram for rescuing Nirmala.

 
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