#NepalChokedByIndia
Okay, so it’s trending worldwide, but the news in USA is about Paris. The news that prescription medicines and pharmaceutical supplies are running low, has taken hold in Kathmandu.
My ability to read Nepali is limited, but I knew that this Tweet was important:
@atulmishra7: @NepalMedicalAssociation says औषधिको सहज आपुर्तिमा साकार सम्वेदनशिल देखिएको छैन । औषधि अमाव वारे विचारविमर्श गर्न सरकारसंग समय समेत छैन ।
The Nepal Medical Association is measured, thoughtful, professional, and conservative in public statements. When they actually make a pronouncement, it has gravitas. I asked a Nepali friend for a translation:
“Govr is nt serious for medicine supply & govt has no time to discuss abt Medicine supply"
Oh my. Now, I am a Registered Nurse, both in USA and Nepal. I work with nurses and doctors while there. But in yesterday’s diary I was not so sympathetic with the hue and cry about medicine shortage. Why? The fact is, the Tribhuwan International Airport is still open and accepting flights. To read that the government is “not serious?” this is not good. I guess I would ask why people are not demanding that the government organize a cargo flight or two. Don’t lay this one solely at the feet of India. Also, this did not spring up out of nowhere; the need to plan appeared on the media radar screen weeks ago.
Prashant Jha is a Nepali Journo based in Delhi. He tweeted:
Naturally, he got flamed in a big way. Click on him at Twitter if you like to follow such things. He’s been a target since early in this crisis.
SGNHC
Sahid Gangalal National Heart Center has cut off 25 to 50% of its operation services unofficial blockade by India led to shortage of vital medical supplies.
The Center's Acting Director, Jotindra Sharma informed, "Drugs in stock are being used to serve critical patients. However, the Center has been compelled to postpone operations for patients who could wait for sometime."
Sharma added, "The fuel crisis has not yet paralyzed the hospital. Surgical services are cut off due to the scarcity of essential drugs and equipment," Sharma told Setopati. "However, the hospital is bound to think about future since most of the vital equipments for operation- thread, needles and medicines are also limited."
- See more at: setopati.net/...
What are the hospitals like?
The hospitals are not quite what an American thinks of when they think of a hospital. On my other blog, I did a picture essay of what the hospitals are like, and each of my books goes into detail as to what kind of equipment they have. Back along I created a YouTube playlist for various homemade video of Nepali hospitals. ( it focuses on Mission Hospital in Tansen. Mission Hospital has been affected, like all hospitals. The link leads to a FaceBook page with photo archive.)
Human Rights Report from UN?
You may recall that yesterday I linked to a “hatchet piece” criticizing the Human Rights Watch report of Oct 16th. I wondered why they bothered to publish the piece. It was a month late, and two weeks after the Geneva Hearing. Today we know why: The UN Final Report is out.
I did not read the actual UN report, but here is an analysis of what it says. It’s got a lot of detail about the Geneva hearing on Human Rights in Nepal.
The concerns aired by Nepal’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister may not even be reflected in the final adoption of the UPR document despite Nepal drawing world’s attention on its cross-border stand-off with India. It also equally mirrors our failures in resolving domestic issues and maintaining harmony and cordial relationships without resorting to hasty escalation at the international level. - See more at: setopati.net/...
While we are mining Setopati, here is a blog that describes the frustration of daily life. Among other events, she describes being sexually harassed while waiting for a bus.
People abstain from abusing me the way the government is getting away with the reference of 'Others' but it has not made me feel better. I feel sick to realise that while I wept reading news of people being murdered, a lot of my folks expressed Madhesh deserves this for asking more than what they deserve. Very few people have taken the effort to express disagreement with the government’s freewill to use bullets and human bodies to celebrate their victory. The treatment and hatred saved exclusively for 'Others' get used yet again, to prove the patriotism of the 'certified' Nepalese. - See more at: setopati.net/...
The “All Terai, All the Time” channel.
This series is about the political crisis in Nepal since the new constitution. For those new to the topic, click here to see a 15-minute video about how the people in that region feel about their government. Or, click here for the summary prepared for The Micah Report, a newsletter for Christian Nepalis.
Sometimes I relay a series of links to Nepal media about aspects of life with no petrol or the political situation. I find it’s a lot easier to report when there is something dramatic involving the riot police or the logistics of driving a petrol tanker through a Himalayan pass. I stay away from personal commentaries about specific politicians. Some days I pass along things I know about Nepali culture or food. The real work, though, is the political process of working out coexistence.
American Media
Time Magazine published a story on the medicine shortage. As I wrote yesterday, the airport still operates. Medications could be flown in. will they do it?
Public Radio International was supposed to do a piece on Nepal for their program “The World” — it was pushed off due to the news from Paris.
Your USA Tax dollars at work in Nepal
The World Food Program continues to conduct humanitarian helicopter deliveries of food and essential supplies, to the earthquake-affected areas. Made possible by a supplemental grant, from USA. The UN just goes on doing what it does. Bravo.
Republica Editorial #1
Yes, we can blame India and others for our misery. In fact, India has always been the easiest scapegoat for almost all our problems. But we have to acknowledge that we face a problem and we need to sort it out. Our own people in the Tarai-Madhesh are protesting and it is incumbent upon us to hear them out and address their concerns. Talks between the government and the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) have so far failed to produce any meaningful resolution for the ongoing crisis. People have not yet come out onto the streets of Kathmandu to protest against the government and they are willing to put up with the pain. But their patience is running thin.
The UDMF has returned to parliament. This is a welcome move. The talks have to intensify. The protestors are seeking solutions within the framework of the new constitution. They want expanded territory in two of the southern provinces, and this is in fact a positive step. It will only help in the integration of our society, culture and peoples. Leaders in Kathmandu, including PM Oli, have to get over their fears of disintegration of our nation-state. - See more at: myrepublica.com/...
Republica editorial #2
Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli's Chhath-eve address brings no joy to the Nepalis struggling on the streets for their rights and those battling adversities in their kitchens. They had expected something concrete to end the prolonged crisis. Oli delivered nothing. - See more at: myrepublica.com/...
Chaath Festival
Nepal is now having Chaat. this is a big event in Terai.
Women devotees take a bath in rivers, ponds or reservoirs on the first day. They observe strict fast on the second day. The third day marks an important celebration. Sweets such as Thekuwa and Bhusuwa are prepared. Female devotees lead their family members to the rivers and ponds with homemade special sweets and seasonal fruits, singing religious songs on the way. Then all devotees pray to the setting sun. The next morning they reach the rivers before sunrise and pray to the rising sun again. The festival reinforces social cohesion and harmony among people of all castes and creeds. - See more at: myrepublica.com/...
This is significant because some parties of the Terai were threatening to escalate after Chaat. In Kathmandu, the parties have continued talks. Maybe they will be serious this time.
I do these in my “spare time.” I work today so this one will be brief. Stay warm, wherever you are!