Real stories - Deepa Pokharel

Deepa is 5 years old, she was playing in the forest with her friends. Nearby a pile of waste was being burnt, while playing Deepa fell down into the pile and her dress caught fire, her friends ran towards the village and called for help. An elderly woman rescued Deepa and brought her to her family. She was rushed immediately to the Kapilavastu District Hospital, Deepa had suffered 15% burns, her case was critical, although she received good care, a imminent surgery was the only mean to avoid complications and prevent physical disability.

Whilst they were conducting a survey on the occurrences of burns in Kapilavastu, a team of BVS-Nepal met with Mrs Pokharel, Deepa's mother and enquired about the little girl's condition. Deepa was in great need of surgery, nutrition and medication support.
The team consulted with Deepa's family, the doctor in charge and BVS-Nepal medical adviser in Kathmandu in order to find the best way to bring Deepa to Kathmandu for surgery. At home all arrangement were done so that Deepa's father could come to Kathmandu and stay by her side during the whole treatment.

Thanks to BVS-Nepal's network of partners, we received a great support from Saathi's district team for the organization of the travel for Deepa and her father to Kathmandu.
Ten days after they had first met at Kapilavastu District Hospital on 14th March 2011, Deepa was admitted at the Nepal Medical College in Kathmandu and on the 28th March, Deepa underwent a successful operation of her lower limbs. She recovered extremely well thanks to her young age.

On the 7th April, Deepa and her father happily returned to Tauliwaha, their village in Kapilavastu, BVS-Nepal provided them with some nutrition support and requested Mr. Pokharel to keep in touch with us as much as possible by calling us or meeting with our local partner. The latest news about Deepa are very encouraging, she is doing fine and recovering fast.

We would like to express our gratitude to "C.H.A.N.C.E for Nepal" that generously offered to cover the entire treatment, travel and food expenses for Deepa and her father.