On the ward in Dharan, Sukra’s daughter still can’t work out why better safeguards aren’t already in place. After her mother developed a fistula during surgery, the doctors tried to fix the damage. They failed, leaving Sukra convinced that the condition was irreparable – until, after eight years, her family heard about BPKIHS and convinced her to seek help.
“They did a surgery and they made some mistakes in the hysterectomy, that happens,” says Rupa Rai, her 28-year-old daughter. “But why did they not realise or admit that they can’t fix the fistula condition? That is not forgivable. They should have referred her to a better centre much sooner.”
But Sukra, who’s humorous attitude has the BPKIHS team in stitches, is trying not to dwell on what could have been. “It’s been very hard. For years, I was like a small baby, I had to clear up after myself all the time,” she says, propped against the pillows as she holds court in the ward. “But I’m just happy I came here.
“I hope the surgery is successful, so I’ll be able to dance, I’ll be able to sleep on a mattress without wetting the bed, or sleep all night without changing my clothes,” she adds.” And I can get the bus to visit my brothers without leaving a puddle on the seat – I haven’t been to my hometown in eight years.”
Three weeks later, Dr Kumar Jha confirms that Sukra’s wishes are now very possible. “She is doing well, she was discharged with a happy face,” he writes in a text.
This is the moment that makes all the hard work worthwhile, says Dr Regmi.
“I don’t want to be a millionaire. The satisfaction I have after doing this work is not comparable with any wealth or any fortune,” he says. “When a patient has a successful surgery, and you see how happy and relieved they are. It is unreal.”
Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security