Chakra is a 43-year-old farmer living in Nepal with his wife and four children. He works in India to support his family, and his wife raises their cattle and farm. The yield from the field sustains them for about three months of the year, and rest of the months they buy food from the market.
Chakra began to have pain on his left side of abdomen about one year ago. His pain worsens when he walks or lifts heavy weight. “My right side inguinal hernia’s operation had been done in India about eight years ago when I worked there,” he explains. “I decided to visit the doctors because I felt like the pain was similar to the one I experience before, and I suspected I might have developed a hernia on my left side.” He traveled to a clinic under the care of our medical partner, Possible, for further evaluation.
A hernia is when an internal organ pokes through the abdomen wall, causing severe pain. Left untreated, a hernia can cause intestinal blockage or prevent blood from reaching vital parts of his intestines. Chakra’s doctors recommended surgical intervention to repair the abdominal wall, remove the bulging tissue in his abdomen, and reposition his herniated tissue. The total cost of the procedure is $451, and covers the procedure, supplies, medications, and three days of inpatient care.
Following his surgery, Chakra’s pain will resolve and he will be able to walk and lift heavy weight easily. “I am so happy that I will be free of pain soon,” he shares eagerly. Chakra’s family needs financial assistance to complete payment for his planned surgery.