Just returned from a wonderful six-day stay in Phulbari, and I want to collect my thoughts of the overall experience and observations. My body and mind feel more rejuvenated from being in the countryside with the sounds and sceneries of nature, the crisp air, and the total disconnection from the connected world. Celebrating Dashain in Phulbari reminds me very much of my childhood in Taiwan, especially during Chinese New Year at my grandma’s house in the countryside. The road there was just as winding and curvaceous as that of going to Phulbari, also filled with greenery, rice paddies, and views of the mountains. The delicious rice pudding from the homestay reminded me for what I used to make as a child also, by adding milk powder to my porridge, which my mom frowned upon. Nostalgia, is probably the best word to describe my overall experience with Dashain.

Our visit to the Dhulikhel Community Hospital was also a heartwarming one, hearing about the many community outreach programs and implementations that the hospital has served its people. “Reaching the unreached,” despite geographical and financial challenges, the hospital strives to come up with innovative ways to serve the communities. “Ultimately, it’s about people,” as Dr. Biraj Karmacharya stated. From the discussions, we learned that although the human-centered design approach is a fairly new concept in the hospital’s health programs, there are dedicated teams adopting this practice for safer and more appropriate ways for patient transfers. This concept, along with the affordable healthcare costs and services, made me wonder if other hospitals in the region, or in Kathmandu, have similar approaches for their practices? Conversely, what could the hospital systems in the States learn about Dhulikhel Community Hospital’s system and practices, how could we make our own healthcare system much more affordable and easier to navigate to all?