Santa Magar is a little girl from the very far west of Nepal. She was a patient of a network partner ‘Park Community Health Centre on the edge of the Royal Bardia National Park. A health worker of the network partner visited her at home together with a social worker from AHC to discuss with her mother the possibilities for an operation for her daughters cleft palate and lip. As is quite often the case here in Nepal, the mother was reluctant to agree to the operation, fear and uncertainty often prevent access to health care. Later after further counseling the mother agreed and came to Pokhara with Santa. The operation was successfully carried out, facilitated by Green Pastures Hospital who referred Santa to a visiting team of surgeons from ‘Operation Smile' who specifically do these types of operations. As can be seen from the photos below, little Santa now has a totally different face, and is a excellent example of what is being achieved by working in partnership.

Before After
Santa with her mother

Total cost of treatment:
Medicine prescribed = Rs 2351
Hospital expenses = Rs 3375
Stay in Asha Hostel – Rs 1564
Operation = carried out free under working agreement
Transportation = Rs 51
Total Rs 7341 (equivalent to US Dollars $103.48)