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The residents of Tembathan in Jugal Rural Municipality-3 are facing significant challenges in obtaining health services due to the absence of road transport. Although there is a clinic in the Rural Municipality, access to health services has become problematic because even the walking paths are affected during the rainy season.

Laxman Dong, the Ward Chairperson of Jugal Rural Municipality-3, stated that the medical supplies brought to Tembathan before the rainy season has run out, and it is now challenging to transport more due to poor road conditions. He also mentioned that getting medicine from a health institution or hospital on the same day if someone gets ill is impossible. Sunlal Dong, a resident of Tembathan, added that reaching the medical center in the Kattike Market area takes two days on foot. Additionally, carrying someone to the hospital is not feasible due to the road’s condition. “If someone is sick or in an emergency, we have to call a helicopter from Kathmandu,” he said.

Srijana Tamang, former Vice Chairperson of Jugal Rural Municipality, highlighted that Sherpa and Tamang communities live in the area. She emphasized that women face significant difficulties with childbirth due to limited access to healthcare services. To reach Tembathan, located at the base of Mt. Jugal, one has to walk uphill through the forest for an entire day from the nearest vehicle-accessible point. Since the area is not connected by roads, residents avoid traveling during the rainy season.

Tamang mentioned that residents must stock up on food and other essential supplies for two months before the rainy season. To buy daily necessities, they must walk two days from their homes to reach Kattike Market in Jugal Rural Municipality-4.

Natibabu Dhital