A story of Batuli

"Do not conceal illness; it only harms yourself. Timely check-ups and treatment safeguard us from falling ill," emphasizes 70-year-old Batuli Bishowkarma, who has reached the milestone of her 70th year. Nonetheless, health troubles have beset her for numerous years. Batuli's life has been a journey of highs and lows. She entered matrimony at 15 and bore 15 children. Amidst this, she grappled with uterine prolapse.

 

She recounts that out of her 15 children, 8 could not be saved. Uterine problems surfaced when she gave birth to her first child, a daughter. As time elapsed, her predicament grew graver. With each childbirth, the health ailment intensified. Performing tasks such as moving, bending, and standing became arduous. In her role as an agricultural laborer and livestock caretaker in the village, she could not evade these responsibilities despite her deteriorating health.

 

Last year, following guidance and assessments provided by rural health services in collaboration with ADRA Nepal and BWSN, she was directed to Janakpur for further evaluations and surgery. Though hesitant, she steeled herself for the operation. However, due to her elevated blood pressure, the surgery in Janakpur was infeasible. Finally, on March 30, 2023, she underwent an operation at Scheer Memorial Adventist Hospital in Banepa. After a four-day hospital stay, she returned home, experiencing a sense of relief.

 

Despite grappling with a multitude of challenges, she had never shared her anguish with anyone. When discussing the risk of cancer arising from uterine wounds, fear would grip her. But now, Batuli asserts, "Do not conceal your ailment; it brings harm. Timely check-ups and treatments shield us from falling ill." ."