Many Rautes, the nomadic ethnic people, at Raniban-4 in Achham district have started suffering from cold-related diseases.

As people from the community do not believe in modern health care system, many kids and senior citizens have fallen ill now. To avoid cold, they are making bonfires in the settlement. Eighteen-year-old Kapil Shahi, who sustained burn injuries while sleeping in front of a bonfire, has been bed-ridden for several days. The chieftain of the Rautes did not allow Kapil to visit a hospital for treatment.

Locals said Kapil is in very serious condition. Kapli’s father Bir Bahadur said he refused to take his son to hospital despite suggestions from local residents. Former chieftain of the Rautes, Mahin Bahadur Shahi, said Kapil is deprived of medical care as his family members refused to take him to a health facility. “His parents have been curing him with herbal medicines. But, he is still serious,” he said. Likewise, Chandraman, another member of the same community, sustained injuries in his leg two months ago but has not received any medical treatment. “Our chieftain did not allow me to visit hospital,” he said. Around 153 Raute people are living 

in Raniban forest area. They live under huts even during the winter.