7point8Nepal designs and sells handmade scarves with an imprint of the seismograph from the earthquake and all profits from the sales go directly to benefit those affected by the natural disaster.

In the winter of 2015, an India-imposed fuel and economic blockade made transport to Kathmandu from Nepal’s mountain villages prohibitively expensive, and people were suffering terribly from cold and exposure. 7point8Nepal conducted health camps and sent warm clothing and other essential supplies to several villages in Sindhupalchowk, Nuwakot and Ramechaap districts.

In early 2016, as a result of these camps, a significant problem with women’s health and more specifically, pelvic organ prolapse, was identified. 7point8Nepal in collaboration with Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital (NMCTH) set out a plan to assist women afflicted by this condition with a definitive cure. NMCTH is a comprehensive tertiary care hospital in the heart of Kathmandu that was founded on several key principles. Their goal is to provide quality care to all patients, education to medical students and residents, and to improve the quality of health of the Nepali people.

While many organizations and physicians had come to help those affected by the earthquake, the members of 7point8Nepal and the staff at NMCTH were particularly interested in establishing long-term care relationships with more definitive management of chronic conditions.

To that end, a project plan was created to bring women who wanted medical treatment but were unable to pay, to NMCTH. 7poin8Nepal received funding from private donors for screening camps (at which women with 4th degree pelvic organ prolapse were identified) and surgery and aftercare for women who qualified. A total of 33 women were brought to NMCTH between February 14 and April 29, 2015, 28 of whom received hysterectomies or reconstructive surgery. The remaining 5 were found to have other disqualifying complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, COPD, and hypothyroidism. They received medications for their ailments, any infections were treated, and ring pessaries were inserted to help with the prolapse.

It became clear that there is tremendous need for comprehensive and compassionate care for disadvantaged women with pelvic organ prolapse throughout the country. Khema Nepal was founded to serve these women.