While the Achham district has become more developed since Nyaya began its work in 2008, there are still very few roads, a poor system of reliable and affordable transportation, and limited healthcare infrastructure. Practically-speaking, for those living in Achham and surrounding districts, this means it can be exceedingly difficult to reach a health facility. This challenge is especially apparent to those who are ill, when frequently the closest health facility is not able to provide the care they need. The Bayalpata Ambulance service has met a critical need in this regard, bringing patients to Bayalpata Hospital, and when even higher levels of care are required, transporting them up to 15 hours further to hospitals that are better equipped.
Bayalpata Hospital (BH) began its ambulance services over two years ago and has had an immense impact on access to healthcare for our patients. Recently I did a brief audit of our ambulance services for The Rubin Foundation, one of Nyaya’s longest and most consistent supporters, and a funder of our ambulance services. Since beginning the service in 2010, BH’s ambulance service has transported 843 patients, over a total of 88,141km (54,647 miles). The program has cost, overall, $23,307.90 (NRs 1864632), which shows that this frequently life-saving program has cost only $27.65 (NRs 2211) per patient!
In addition to The Rubin Foundation, many of you – our supporters – around the world have helped to make these services possible for our patients in Achham. Thank you for all that you do; we look forward to working with you more this year to improve healthcare access globally.
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Ryan Schwarz, MD, MBA, is on the Board of Directors for Nyaya Health. He is currently a resident in the Harvard Brigham and Women’s/Children’s Hospital Medicine-Pediatrics Residency program.
