11/16/2025
Pulmonary Hypertension Association Nepal (PHA Nepal) conducted a full-day Cardiac Health Screening and Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Camp on 2082 Kartik 28 (Friday), November 14, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Shree Janagyan Niketan Secondary School, located in Shivapuri Rural Municipality–8, Thanapati, Nuwakot.
Supported by Prahald & Bindu Pant Orphans Foundation and Nepalese Association of Florida, Jacksonville Chapter, and co-organized by the Shivapuri Rural Municipality, the camp provided essential cardiac screening services to schoolchildren up to 15 years of age. A total of 329 students were screened, and three students were initially flagged for further evaluation. All 326 students showed healthy heart findings on assessment, bringing positive reassurance to their families and teachers. PHA Nepal will conduct additional follow-up evaluations to fully confirm the three flagged students, and if any condition is detected, the PHA Nepal will ensure that appropriate treatment and management are provided.
Shree Janagyan Niketan Secondary School holds special historical significance within the community. The school was founded by the late Mr. Jiva Raj Pandey, grandfather of Mr. Amin Pandey, and the family has remained deeply committed to its growth for generations. Mr. Amin Pandey continues to honor this legacy by supporting the school in every possible capacity. His involvement during the camp, from hospitality and coordination to managing smooth flow and local arrangements was invaluable. Equally important contributions were made by Mr. Khagendra Kharel and Mr. Surendra Gautam, whose dedication to logistics, communication, and overall organization played a major role in the success of the event.
The medical component of the program was led by a highly committed team of doctors and healthcare professionals. Dr. Anam Pyakurel conducted interactive awareness and educational sessions, including a focused health discussion with Grade 10 students. Dr. Amit Kumar Khatiwada oversaw the clinical workflow, ensuring systematic screening and excellent teamwork throughout the day. The camp was further strengthened by the support of doctors Manindra Karki, Ankur Joshi, Ksh*tij Chapagain, Rupesh Shah, Raman Gurmaita, Rahul Yadav, Deependra Mandal, Roshika Budathoki, Sudha Thapa, George Jung Katwal and several other volunteers who offered their time, expertise, and compassion.
During the inauguration, school principal Mr. Arjun Lamichhane welcomed the guests, chairman of school management committee Mr. Hari Sitaula, Chairman of Shivapuri rural municipality Mr. Govinda Thapalia highlighted the importance of children health and education.
Mrs. Samjhana Khanal, President of PHA Nepal, shared the organization’s core motto: “Early detection, compassionate care, and community-driven awareness.” She emphasized the mission of PHA Nepal—to reach underserved rural communities, build awareness from the school level, and ensure that no child is denied care due to geography or financial hardship. Other speakers reflected on the importance of strengthening cardio-pulmonary awareness in schools, integrating regular health screening in rural municipalities, creating a collaborative framework between local government, medical teams, and community leaders, ensuring follow-up pathways for identified students.
November is Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month, highlighting a condition that is often forgotten and misdiagnosed, especially in low-income countries. Early detection is crucial, as treatment is complex, costly, and often inaccessible. Raising awareness and promoting timely screening can save lives and reduce long-term complications.
This initiative demonstrated how meaningful impact can be achieved through collaborative effort involving schools, community members, local authorities, and medical professionals. PHA Nepal extends its heartfelt gratitude to all supporters, partners, doctors, volunteers, school staff, and community leaders who made this program possible.
Building on this successful experience, PHA Nepal aims to expand similar cardiac and pulmonary hypertension awareness programs to other rural municipalities, strengthen referral pathways for students requiring further assessment, and promote preventive heart-health education in schools across Nepal. With the continued support of national and international partners, PHA Nepal remains committed to securing a healthier future for Nepal’s children.
Nepalese Association of Florida
Pulmonary Hypertension Association
America Nepal Medical Foundation
