In the early hours of March 6, a dedicated 17-member team from SKM Hospital—comprising surgeons, an anesthesiologist, nurses, a technician, support staff, and a driver—set out on a long journey to Ishanath, a remote district in southern Nepal near the Indian border. Traveling in the hospital’s own bus, packed with medical supplies and equipment, the team arrived that evening, ready to serve a community with little to no access to specialized healthcare.
Ishanath, home to nearly 50,000 people, faces a severe shortage of medical services. Over the course of just three days, the SKM team examined 659 patients, many of whom had been living with untreated conditions for years. Of these, 146 patients received surgical treatment on-site, while 35 more complex cases were referred to the hospital in Kathmandu—with SKM Hospital covering their travel expenses to ensure no one was left behind.
The majority of patients suffered from old burn scars, contractures, hand deformities, and skin tumors—conditions that not only cause physical pain but also deeply affect quality of life and dignity.
The overwhelming turnout and urgent need for care underscored the critical importance of these outreach efforts. Local leaders and residents pleaded with the team to return soon, highlighting the deep trust and hope the hospital has cultivated in underserved regions.
This camp was more than a medical mission—it was a testament to SKM Hospital’s unwavering commitment to equity in healthcare. By bringing expert surgical care directly to the people, SKM continues to transform lives far beyond the walls of its Kathmandu facility.