Trees falls - a common sight in Nepal

Falls from trees and associated complications are a common sight here in Tansen. People often climb high trees endeavoring to cut leaves down for their animals or to pick tree shoots for cooking with. In December 2008, 36 year old Ram (name changed) had just this form of accident and was trapped by a tree branch after the fall, leaving him with multiple fractures in the ribs and legs.

Ram has a wife and 4 children, all of whom are reliant on him as the sole income earner. The family owns no land and Ram had been earning his living as a day labourer, with a good day bringing in around $2.

Ram was admitted to hospital and underwent countless operations to slowly rebuild his shattered limbs. During his two and a half month stay in hospital his wife and child were also admitted, exacerbating an already difficult situation.

The cost of care in Nepal is a huge issue for poorer members of society as neither medical insurance nor a national health system is available. For Ram and his family, faced with a large hospital bill, the money issue was a big concern. Thankfully, many of their local villagers rallied round to raise funds towards the family’s medical costs, and through out Pastoral Care fund we were able to give free care and treatment to his wife and child, and pay 60% of Ram’s hospital bill, which came to just overUS$900 equivalent.

Please continue to pray for our Pastoral Care team as they daily assess many needy patients, that they would have wisdom in giving to the people that need help the most.

Thank you.