Hundreds of women in Mugu district walked up to five hours through difficult terrain to reach a free health camp in Gamgadhi. Organized by Global IME Bank in collaboration with the Family Planning Association of Nepal and local authorities, the camp brought critical cervical cancer screening and treatment to a region where standard medical care normally requires a treacherous 15-hour journey to Surkhet. Out of 273 women screened at the camp, eight were diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Breaking the silence on women’s health
For many local women, the camp was a rare opportunity to address long-hidden ailments. Among them was 50-year-old Kamala Rawal (name changed), who had been suffering from chronic abdominal pain and bleeding in silence due to shame and poverty. After her diagnosis at the camp, doctors assured her that the bank would fully cover her treatment expenses.
Using an advanced 'thermocoagulation' device, medical teams successfully treated seven of the eight diagnosed women on-site after obtaining family consent.
"I couldn't even afford to take my wife to Surkhet for treatment due to financial constraints, but seeing the medical team right here at our doorstep brings immense joy," expressed Kamala's husband with gratitude.
Five years of impactful healthcare CSR
This camp is part of Global IME Bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, 'Swasthya Nari Pahal' (Healthy Women Initiative), which has operated across all seven provinces for five years, benefiting 20,508 women to date.
In the current fiscal year alone, a record 11,947 women were screened across Nepal, with the highest turnout of 2,875 women recorded in Karnali Province. Out of 27 cervical cancer cases detected nationwide this year, 10 received immediate on-site treatment.
"We travel with doctors and trained personnel to screen women, and if cancer is detected, we immediately destroy the pre-cancerous cells on-site using thermocoagulation," said Prakash Dangol, Valley Branch Manager of the Family Planning Association.
Beyond cervical cancer, the bank has expanded its healthcare footprint to vision care. Its eye camps have screened 2,798 individuals and funded 490 cataract surgeries, alongside conducting school screenings for 2,308 students who received free prescription glasses.
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