By Shyam Sundar 
In a significant move to safeguard the health of the younger generation, a massive health drive was successfully concluded in Beni Municipality today. The event, a comprehensive Free Heart Checkup Camp, witnessed an impressive turnout of 3,022 students. This initiative has brought a sense of relief to parents and teachers across the Myagdi district, ensuring that heart health is prioritized from a young age.
Organized by the Heart Disease Prevention Foundation (Myagdi Unit) with support from the central office in Kathmandu, the program was held at Prakash Secondary School and Beni Community Secondary School. Ramji Prasad Subedi, the unit president, emphasized that the primary goal was to provide accessible cardiac care to students who often lack these facilities.
Impact of the Health Drive on Local Schools
The medical team went beyond just basic screening. Out of thousands of students, 100 required further investigation through Video X-rays (Echocardiography). The thoroughness of this Free Heart Checkup Camp proved to be a lifesaver. The doctors discovered that three students were suffering from serious heart conditions that needed immediate medical attention.
According to the organizers, arrangements are being made for the treatment of these three students. This early detection is crucial because heart issues in children, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications in adulthood. The event also screened 100 teachers and staff members, ensuring the well-being of the entire school ecosystem.
Critical Findings and Expert Advice
Dr. Premraj Baidya, a heart specialist who led the six-member medical team, shared valuable insights during the event. He warned that neglecting rheumatic diseases (Baath Rog) in childhood is a leading cause of heart problems later in life. His advice added an educational layer to the screening process, teaching the community about prevention.
The event covered students from multiple institutions, including Balmandir Secondary School, Jadbharat Basic School, Myagdi Multiple Campus, and Saraswati Secondary School in Tatopani. It was a collective effort to ensure no student was left behind.
Future Plans for Rural Healthcare Access
This initiative marks the first time such a large-scale screening has been conducted since the establishment of the foundation’s unit in Myagdi. Dipendra Purush Dhakal, former president of the central office, stated that identifying congenital and rheumatic heart risks early is their top priority.
Moving forward, the foundation plans to expand its reach. Keshav Prasad Regmi, the district secretary, announced that they aim to take similar health camps to rural areas. This future strategy focuses on helping financially disadvantaged families who cannot afford expensive city hospitals, ensuring that quality healthcare is a right, not a privilege.