The Struggle for Breath
There is a difference in access to health care services among the Nepalese population which is one of the main reasons for disparities that exist in healthcare provision. It is difficult for many people to afford the treatment and medication even for minor communicable diseases; chronic diseases are out of the question for now.
Chronic Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the most common causes of mortality worldwide. It exerts a high economic burden on the individual as well as the healthcare system as it incurs higher costs compared with asthma and ischemic heart disease in many countries including Nepal. Many research papers and the Global Burden of Disease shows COPD to be stagnant but is predicted to continue to prevail in Nepal after reviewing the trend in recent years.
Haimaya Pariyar, age 65, is a permanent resident of Rupa Rural Municipality-07, temporarily living at Pokhara-30, Khudi belongs to a marginalized family. She has been suffering from COPD for the last 18 years and was under 
regular domiciliary oxygen. It was tough for her and her family to spare the cost of treatment, medication and for her oxygen therapy which she needs regularly. Her weak financial condition made it hard for her to get oxygen therapy without which it was difficult for her to breathe properly. After assessing her socio-economic condition, NELUMBO, NEPAL stepped up to support her with her treatment and medication; an oxygen concentrator (5 L) worth 65,000.00 (Sixty-five thousand only) was handed over to her in the presence of local government and authorities. It has helped her greatly with the oxygen therapy that she needs daily.
NELUMBO, NEPAL has always been concerned with the accessibility of quality health services to all, especially focusing on people living in remote and rural areas and disadvantaged people. To date, NELUMBO, NEPAL has supported many individuals like Haimaya Pariyar with their treatment and medication and has helped them to lead normal lives in the community.
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