BUTWAL: The Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City has brought smiles to the faces of senior citizens through its door-to-door health check-up and treatment campaign, offering essential care directly to the homes of the elderly.
The initiative began in January last year when a team led by Mayor Khelraj Pandey visited 110-year-old Airavati Barai at her home in Pragati Tole, Tamnagar, Butwal-12.
Alongside the mayor, Dr. Nandu Pathak, a senior physician from Lumbini Provincial Hospital, and a team of health professionals conducted a medical check-up and provided health-enhancing supplies and fruits to Barai.
This visit marked the formal launch of the free health check-up and treatment campaign. The program has reached numerous senior citizens across the city, providing regular check-ups, medications, and wellness materials—all free of cost.
Mayor Pandey explained that the campaign was started to ensure no elderly citizen is deprived of healthcare simply because they cannot access a health facility.
“We initiated home visits to show our respect and responsibility toward the older generation,” he said. “This campaign not only improves their health but also gives them a sense of inclusion and belonging. They now feel that the local government is genuinely concerned for their well-being.”
The campaign has become even more critical as increasing numbers of younger family members migrate abroad for work, often leaving elderly parents to live alone.
City spokesperson Shiva Rana noted that this demographic shift has led to growing health challenges for the elderly, prompting the city to intervene with direct care.
Senior citizens who have benefited from the program have expressed their appreciation. Ishwori Gyawali of Butwal-9 shared her gratitude, saying she was delighted when the medical team, including the mayor, visited her home.
“They checked our health, distributed medicines, and even provided free X-rays and fever assessments. It was truly heartwarming,” she said.
The campaign now operates in all 19 wards of Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City, offering senior citizens vital health services at their doorstep. This includes medical check-ups, medicine distribution, and other essential healthcare support—all free of charge.
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