Teaching learning activities for squatters begins in Bhaktapur

Kathmandu, May 5: Teaching and learning activities have begun at a temporary camp based in Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA)’s training centre in Kharipati, Bhaktapur.

A health camp was conducted here today that was followed by the distribution of medicines and other required consultations. During the camp handled by medical professionals, technical teams and ophthalmologists from the Bhaktapur Hospital and the Tilganga Eye Hospital, 158 residents underwent health checkups, according to District Public Health Office Chief Anjana Khadka.

The temporary shelter houses 158 including 26 children who had been earlier shifted here from the squatters’ settlements in the district.

Among the residents, one is an eight-year-old child with a tracheotomy requiring regular dressing, a senior citizen with paralysis, a blind family, and a leprosy patient, a family with physical and mental disabilities, new mothers and expectant mothers. The health, education and psychosocial counseling services have been provided in the camp.

On the suspicion of potential TB case in the camp, the Bhaktapur-based National Tuberculosis Centre has been requested for screening with the help of an AI-based X-ray machine. Bagamati Province government Health Minister Kiran Thapa Magar said discussions on this matter are underway with the federal Ministry of Health and Population.

Until they remain in the camp, the province government will ensure medical care for them, the Minister added. Learning classes for the 26 children were conducted with the help of monitors. From today, regular teaching and learning activities have begun, though temporarily.