Local government offers job following life-changing surgery
BAJURA, OCTOBER 4
After enduring 22 years of pain and social isolation, Dhan Bahadur Saud, a 22-year-old from Chaurpati Rural Municipality-2 in Achham, has finally found a glimmer of hope. Following a successful medical intervention for his congenital urinary bladder condition, Dhan is starting a new chapter in his life.
Dhan had lived with the untreated condition Bladder Exstrophy since birth, facing both physical pain and the stigma of his illness. His suffering came to an end after coordination between the rural municipality, Badimalika Foundation Nepal, and the Medical Rehabilitation Center, which facilitated his treatment at KIST Medical College in Lalitpur.
"I never thought I would be cured," Dhan said after returning to his village. "For 22 years, I carried this pain and was constantly neglected by people around me. Now, I'm finally healthy and truly happy."
As part of his recovery journey, Chaurpati Rural Municipality has appointed Dhan as an office assistant at the Ward No. 2 office, with a monthly salary of Rs 14,000. Bhim Bahadur Saud, chairperson of the rural municipality, said the job will help Dhan live a respectable life after years of suffering.
Dhan had struggled financially to seek treatment for his condition, which caused him to leak urine constantly and led to infections. The foul smell from his body left him isolated, unable to interact with others or attend school. His mother died when he was three years old, and his father remarried and moved away, leaving Dhan in the care of his uncle and aunt, who also faced financial hardship.
His surgery was performed by a team led by senior plastic surgeon Prof. Dr. Surendra Basnet at KIST Medical College. According to Dr. Basnet, the surgery cost over Rs 1 million, and had Dhan not received treatment soon, he was at risk of developing cancer.
The local government contributed Rs 150,000 towards the treatment, while additional financial support was provided by Badimalika Foundation Nepal, the Medical Rehabilitation Center, and the hospital. "When we learned about his situation, we immediately coordinated to help him get the treatment he needed," said Samrat Singh Basnet, chairperson of the Medical Rehabilitation Center.
