Local Help proving Vital in Nepal

The April 2015 earthquake in Nepal killed over 8,000 people and injured more than 21,000. Immediately following the disaster, Dr Amit Bajracharya, GP at Southwell Medical Centre flew out to his home country to provide medical help.

On his return he planned a second phase of aid to provide around 200 shelters. Dr Bajracharya recently returned to Nepal and met some of the families who his team has helped to build these temporary shelters. He said: “It does look like they will be living in these tents for several more months to come as not much aid has reached the families affected.”
Dr Bajracharya went on to say: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who kindly supported the appeal to help the people of Nepal through the Medical Centre. Particularly the staff at the Medical Centre, Riverside Curch Southwell, Southwell Medical User Group and Rotary Clubs of Southwell and Mapperly & Arnold.

“I am also obliged to Lizzy Anne Fabric Wool Shop Newark and all the ladies who kindly donated woolen clothes and blankets at the surgery which I was able to take with me and distribute to people affected by the earthquake. It gives me immense satisfaction to think that they are warm this harsh winter.”

On this trip, Amit visited rural western Nepal where the money raised has provided financial support to rebuild three schools, not only contributing towards building classrooms but also buying furniture, books and computers. The journey was so remote that the team had to abandon their 4×4 as the roads were impassable due to landslides and earthquake.
Dr Bajracharya said: “It is sad as well as inspiring at the same time to see kids in slippers walking for up two hours to get to their classrooms which were made from nothing but bamboos and metal sheets. I also donated food, that will last for a month, to an orphanage that housed 40 kids. The help from the money raised from Southwell will go a long way and they will forever remember the love that we have shown to them.”

The rebuilding process is still on going and donations for the appeal can still be made via a box at the Medical Centre.