Every year, thousands of people migrate to Kathmandu, the capital city, in hopes of a better quality of life. This densely populated city is home to over 1/12th of the country’s population, among which squatters make up around 2% of.

Since 1985, the squatter population has had a staggering 85% increase. Those living in squatter settlements are often daily wage earners with no time or money for healthcare. As a result, neglect of smaller health problems arises in serious complications in the population. Impoverished and helpless, some resort to unlawful means to finance their healthcare. To tackle this problem, Ek Ek Paila, a Nepali non-profit organization, has begun a “Bagmati Riverside Squatters Health Outreach Project”. Started in February 2022, this project will span over the course of 2 years, covering 11 squatter settlements consisting of 7040 individuals. Targeting all departments in healthcare, Ek Ek Paila doctors from different specializations —Ophthalmology, Gynecology, Dentistry, General Medicine, Hepatobiliary, Radiology, and Orthopedics will provide free services to these settlers. Free health camps will be set up in the area once every two months, with free consultations and 50% subsidization for subsequent lab tests.