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In the heart of Kirtipur is a place of hope and compassion. Baby Life Home and Saphalta HIV Shikshya Sadan, a non-profit organization founded by Raj Kumar Pun in 2011 and 2012, serves as a shelter, care center, and educational institution for children infected with HIV in Nepal. The organization provides children not only with basic necessities like food, shelter, and medical care but also education and emotional support.

Led by Pun, the 41-year-old founder and chairperson, the team consists of seven members. Uma Gurung serves as the founder vice president. “Before establishing this organization, we were all involved in different professions. I was a teacher. Others were engaged in businesses or had steady jobs,” says Pun. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they shared a common passion—they wanted to work for the marginalized community and make a positive impact in society.

The concept of Baby Life Home took shape over 15 years ago when Pun came across a daily newspaper headline ‘HIV-infected children in trouble’. Moved by a deep sense of empathy and a desire to help these children, Pun embarked on a mission to provide assistance. Along with his team, he traveled to Dang, intending to provide basic necessities such as food, clothing, and stationery supplies. But what they encountered there was something they could have never imagined.

Upon arriving at the shelter, Pun and his team witnessed a heartbreaking reality. “The children’s families and relatives were mistreating them. Other children weren’t allowed to play with them. It was heartbreaking,” says Pun. The seeds of Baby Life Home were thus planted. Pun wanted to give these children a loving home. He wanted them to have a safe space.

However, the journey was challenging. No one wanted to rent out their homes to them due to the many misconceptions they had about HIV transmission. So, they created a temporary shelter at Gurung’s residence. Later, Pun decided to keep the children in a house he had bought for his parents. “We started the shelter with four children and the number had gone up to ten by that time,” he says.

Many schools were hesitant to admit the children due to fears of stigma and discrimination. “Initially, we believed that providing proper medical care would enable our children to be accepted into any school. But this assumption proved wrong as neither private nor government schools were willing to take them in,” says Pun.

Their decision to start Saphalta HIV Shikshya Sadan was born out of this reality. They wanted a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where HIV-infected children could thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Saphalta HIV Shikshya Sadan is Nepal’s first school and orphanage to openly support education for HIV-infected children without concealing their HIV status, ensuring their right to education in a caring environment.

In addition to being infected with HIV, many children at Baby Life Home also suffer from various other diseases and health conditions. Some have heart diseases, while others suffer from epilepsy. “We have never solicited donations specifically for medical purposes. While money is important, we are grateful when people willingly contribute, donate food, or celebrate special occasions with us. We graciously accept such contributions,” says Pun.

To manage the children’s condition, Baby Life Home procures Antiretrovirals (ARVs) from Teku Hospital which provides them free of cost to meet the needs of HIV-infected children. These medications, donated by the World Health Organization to the Nepali government, are acquired according to the specific requirements of each child ensuring that they receive the appropriate dosage and combination of medicines tailored to their medical needs. Each child’s treatment is carefully monitored, with regular assessments of effectiveness to ensure optimal outcome.

Recognizing the challenges and trauma these children face due to their health condition and societal stigma, at Baby Life Home, counseling plays a crucial role. “Life is transient, and people don’t only die from HIV/AIDS. So, it’s not worth worrying too much about death. Instead, we should strive to live our lives to the fullest, enjoying each moment,” says Pun “Even though we may not have given birth to them, we are their parents and we want to provide them with the life they deserve.”

Pun has a double masters’ degree in sociology and political Science, demonstrating his commitment to understanding the complexities of society and governance. He has also completed a CMA (Community Medicine Assistance) degree, further enhancing his understanding of healthcare and medical issues, particularly in the context of HIV/AIDS.

Pun is thankful for the government’s assistance. “Our former prime minister, K P Oli, came to know about the organization and created a substantial fixed deposit for us. We are able to use the interest generated from this deposit for the children’s medication and basic needs,” he says. Additionally, the government has granted them access to Social Security Allowance as well.

Pun believes there is more the government can do for the welfare of HIV-infected children in Nepal. It’s important to raise awareness and dispel myths and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, he says.

Pun’s dedication has turned out to be fruitful. The organization is currently providing services to over 100 HIV-infected children—a testament to the power of compassion and community driven initiatives. Some of the children are studying to become doctors, while others have graduated with degrees in arts and social work. This, Pun believes, is a testament to the resilience and determination of these children, who despite adversity continue to pursue their dreams and ambitions with unwavering courage.

A neurosurgeon from the 15th batch of China’s medical aid team to Nepal is helping strengthen the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities for brain tumor patients in Nepal. Dr Yang, who is affiliated with the Neurosurgery Department at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, is not just a renowned medical professional but also a passionate ambassador of health and friendship between China and Nepal. 

Working closely with his counterpart, Dr Benju, at the BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Dr Yang Jiankai has helped redefine the neurosurgical medicine landscape in Nepal. His dedication to both his field of expertise and the larger cause of international cooperation is truly commendable. As a neurosurgeon, he possesses extensive knowledge and skills in treating a wide range of neurological conditions. His surgical expertise and clinical acumen have saved countless lives and improved the quality of life for many patients. 

The seasoned Chinese neurosurgeon’s stay in Nepal has been a testament to his dedication, not just to his medical expertise but to his understanding that elevating the standards of diagnosis and treatment for brain tumor patients necessitates not just technical exchanges but also cultural and ideological integrations. Through a multifaceted approach, he has empowered local medical professionals with advanced knowledge and skills.

He frequently invites neurosurgeons from China and organizes seminars where health professionals from the two countries hold discussions on the latest advancements in brain tumor diagnosis and treatment. Dr Yang’s hands-on guidance during surgical procedures and patient consultations has provided invaluable opportunities for Nepali doctors to witness and appreciate the Chinese neurosurgical techniques firsthand. His vision extends beyond the confines of the operating room. He has facilitated opportunities for Nepali doctors to visit health facilities in China, fostering stronger bonds of friendship and collaboration. 

In September last year, Dr Benju who was participating in intellectual exchanges in Shandong, China, expressed keen interest in observing neurosurgical procedures in Chinese hospitals. Recognizing this as a valuable opportunity to enhance Dr Benju’s understanding of Chinese medical technology, Dr Yang reached out to Principal Li Gang and Neurosurgery Director Ni Shilei of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. He arranged for Dr Benju to observe several neurosurgical surgeries. 

Commenting on the visit, Dr Benju said he was astounded by China’s rapid progress in neurosurgery. “Many of the neurosurgical procedures were entirely novel to me. I realized there is a vast array of neurosurgical techniques to master, and I sincerely hope for more opportunities to engage in exchanges and learning at Chinese hospitals,” he added. Moreover, Dr Yang has also been leading joint scientific research endeavors on neurosurgery between China and Nepal.  

Through his multidimensional approach, Dr Yang has not only enhanced the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of Nepalese doctors in treating brain tumor patients but has also enriched himself with invaluable experiences and insights from his Nepali counterparts. Dr Yang’s vision is even broader. He believes that health is a shared concern of all nations, and cooperation in this field can greatly strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding between countries. With this belief, he has made significant contributions to promoting health cooperation between China and Nepal. 

He has participated in numerous medical missions and exchange programs with Nepal, sharing his expertise and learning from his Nepalese colleagues. He has also advocated for increased cooperation in areas such as training, research, and patient care, helping to bridge the gap in medical resources and capabilities between the two countries. His interactions with Nepali doctors, patients, and community members have not only strengthened his professional network but also deepened his understanding and appreciation of Nepalis culture and society.

National politics is becoming increasingly unpredictable, with doubts arising about the stability of the five-party coalition government. A significant blow came with the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal experiencing a split, as seven lawmakers and 30 central committee members formed a new party under Ashok Rai.

The Election Commission on Monday issued a certificate of political party to the Rai faction of JSP as per the Political Party Act. However, there are no clear legal provisions regarding the party formation process in case an existing party splits. 

In 2021, the government led by the Nepali Congress had issued an ordinance to amend the Act to ease the split of political parties. Based on that ordinance Madhav Kumar Nepal and Mahantha Thakur formed new parties, the CPN (Unified Socialist) and the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party, after splitting from the UML and JSP, respectively. The ordinance has since been repealed. 

The establishment faction of the JSP led by Upendra Yadav has argued that since the ordinance is no longer in effect, the new party under Rai cannot be legitimate.

Meanwhile, those lawmakers who have broken away from JSP claim that their actions were prompted by the intention to preserve the current coalition, as party Chairman Yadav, also the deputy prime minister and health minister, was considering withdrawing support from the government to form a new one. 

The latest development signifies the beginning of further rifts within both large and small parties, either to maintain or challenge the current government. The situation echoes the turbulence of the early 1990s, characterized by party splits, political maneuvering, and the manipulation of lawmakers. 

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and his primary coalition partner KP Sharma Oli of CPN-UML are focused on retaining power or engineering government changes. 

JSP leaders say Prime Minister Dahal and CPN-UML KP Sharma Oli played significant roles in orchestrating the split to prevent the current coalition from slipping into a minority position in Parliament. Even if Yadav were to withdraw support, the current coalition is likely to retain a comfortable majority, with the assurance of the Rai-led JSP to support the Dahal-led government.

Another coalition partner, CPN (Unified Socialist), has also expressed discontent with the current arrangement, with its Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal publicly stating concerns about the government's stability. His recent remarks about certain leaders' reluctance to see him as prime minister hint at underlying tensions within this coalition. Nepal's dissatisfaction with provincial-level governance and appointments also suggests a deeper rift within the coalition.  

With a split in JSP, the Unified Socialist faces the challenge of keeping the party intact. There are suspicions that to prevent the current coalition from slipping into minority, Dahal and Oli could try to divide the Unified Socialist as well. 

The initial formation of the current coalition on March 4 saw Prime Minister Dahal sever ties with the NC in favor of incorporating UML and RSP. Within months of its formation, another specter of coalition split looms large.  The future remains uncertain, with no clear indication of how many more changes in government will precede the 2027 national elections. 

Nepal and Yadav are said to be in talks with the main opposition, Nepali Congress, to form a new government. There are reports that NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Yadav, and Nepal have reached an agreement to lead a new government on a rotational basis until the next elections. 

The Nepali Congress, particularly Deuba and his supporters, are actively seeking to dismantle the Dahal-led government, proposing Unified Socialist Chairman Nepal as a potential prime ministerial candidate. However, opinions within the Nepali Congress vary regarding the formation of a new coalition, with some advocating for an alliance with JSP, RSP, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, and other fringe parties.

Deuba and his supporters were working to secure 138 seats (NC-88, RPP-14, JSP-12, CPN Unified Socialist-10, Janatmat-6, Nagarik Unmukti-4 and Loktantrik Samajbadi-4) required to form a new coalition. But with the JSP split, the NC is not in the position to secure the majority votes. 

Efforts to stabilize the government are also ongoing, with discussions between NC senior leader Shekhar Koirala and UML Chairman Oli about a potential collaboration between the two largest parties. However, opinions within UML are divided on this matter, with many opposing cooperation with the NC, their main competitor.

While Dahal and Oli may succeed in preserving the coalition, there is still risk of it falling into minority. Home Minister and RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichaane is under pressure to resign and facilitate the investigation against him for his alleged involvement in embezzlement of cooperatives money. If the government agrees to form a parliamentary probe panel as demanded by the NC, Lamichhane will have to resign. In that context, it is not certain whether the RSP will remain in the government. Calls within RSP to exit the government are growing, particularly following disappointing results in the Ilam-2 by-elections. 

The upcoming budget session of the House of Representatives, scheduled for May 10, adds further uncertainty. The NC has threatened to obstruct parliamentary proceedings unless a panel is formed to investigate cooperative scandals, potentially complicating the government's ability to present the budget. 

Simrik Air, a private-sector helicopter company, has announced its commitment to providing extensive support for combating forest fires across the country.

The company’s General Manager, Muralidhar Joshi, stated that Simrik Air is ready to deploy helicopters to fight fires if requested by the government. “Our helicopters are equipped to assist in fire control operations,” he explained.

Joshi mentioned that Simrik Air uses the ‘Bambi Bucket’ system to tackle forest fires, which involves deploying water from the air to extinguish flames. He highlighted that the company had previously used this system to control fires in Pathibhara, Lukla, Tanahun, Shivapuri in Kathmandu, the Balaju industrial area, and several other locations.

Additionally, General Manager Joshi emphasized that Simrik Air has a history of contributing to firefighting efforts as part of its corporate social responsibility. He encouraged municipalities across the country to ensure the availability of water resources to facilitate aerial firefighting.

Founded in 2001, Simrik Air is a leading helicopter company in Nepal with a strong reputation for high-altitude rescues. The company employs experienced pilots and rescue specialists trained in the United States and Switzerland.

Simrik Air is also hosting a press conference and an interaction program on fire prevention and aerial firefighting on Monday to further discuss its firefighting capabilities and the importance of proactive measures to prevent forest fires.