KATHMANDU, May 24 — A free community health camp officially kicked off at the Chhatrapati Free Clinic (Hospital) in Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward No. 17, situated in the heart of Thamel. The initiative, aimed at enhancing accessible healthcare for both locals and international visitors, is jointly organized by the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD), Chhatrapati Free Clinic, and Kathmandu Metropolitan City, with generous support from Chinese biomedical company Wondfo.
The event was inaugurated in the presence of Zou Zhiqiang, Country Director of the CFRD Nepal Office; Kumar Dev Manandhar, Acting President of Chhatrapati Free Clinic; Nabin Manandhar, Spokesperson of Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Chairperson of Ward No. 17; Wondfo representative Herbal An; as well as medical staff, Chinese businesspeople based in Thamel, international tourists, and local community members.
A highlight of the event was the official handover of Finecare FS-205 medical testing machines to Chhatrapati Free Clinic, with one unit designated for Bhaktapur. These devices are expected to significantly boost diagnostic capabilities, particularly for blood analysis and blood sugar monitoring, enabling quicker and more accurate patient assessments.
Running from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, the health camp provided a range of free diagnostic services, including Complete Blood Count (CBC), Liver Function Test (LFT), Renal Function Test (RFT), Blood Sugar Test, and Thyroid Function Test (TFT). Over 700 individuals are estimated to have received medical care during the first phase.
Building on this momentum, organizers plan to host a second phase of the camp in Bhaktapur, targeting another 700 beneficiaries. In total, the initiative aims to provide vital health services to more than 1,400 people, serving both Nepali citizens and international visitors.
With monsoon season approaching, the health camp places particular focus on preventive care. Special attention has been given to elderly individuals and foreign nationals to help identify and manage potential health concerns at an early stage.
Speaking at the event, Zou Zhiqiang underscored CFRD’s commitment to supporting community health development in Nepal. She noted that Thamel, as a globally recognized tourist destination, is home to many Chinese and international businesspeople and visitors. The health camp, she said, is part of a broader international humanitarian effort aimed at benefiting diverse communities in Nepal.
Zou also recalled Chhatrapati Free Clinic’s key role during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it partnered with CFRD to establish Nepal’s first quarantine center. She further highlighted the “Happy Community” project launched last year by the Chinese Embassy, which included the donation of a Chinese-made ambulance to the hospital.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City Spokesperson Nabin Manandhar expressed gratitude for the cross-border collaboration, noting its positive impact on public health services and community welfare. He emphasized the value of partnerships like these in strengthening international goodwill and healthcare access in urban areas.
Kumar Dev Manandhar, Acting President of Chhatrapati Free Clinic, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of timely medical services and international cooperation in enhancing community health infrastructure.
Wondfo’s Herbal An reiterated the company’s dedication to supporting Nepal’s healthcare system. Active in the country since the onset of the pandemic, Wondfo has donated equipment, test kits, and funds for this initiative. An emphasized the company’s vision of advancing biotechnology for societal benefit and reaffirmed Wondfo’s commitment to sustainable healthcare development in Nepal.
This health camp marks a significant step in CFRD’s ongoing mission to improve healthcare accessibility in high-traffic and densely populated areas. It also serves as a model for how international cooperation can address local health challenges while fostering cross-cultural solidarity.
Comment