Laxmi Maya Bhattarai, 92, of Chulachuli village in Dhankuta had long been suffering from acute stomach cramps, but she couldn’t walk to the nearest health facility for treatment. She was finally able to get medical attention after Chhathar Jorpati Rural Municipality started providing free health services to senior citizens at their doorsteps.

Health workers from the municipality have been providing treatment and medicines to people above 80 years of age for a year now.

“This programme came as a blessing for people like us. We don’t have to suffer for lack of medical treatment anymore,” said Bhattarai.

Sundarman Dangol, health coordinator of the rural municipality, said health workers visit the homes of senior citizens every four months and provide them with medical services.

“This programme has helped senior citizens avail of medical facilities in the comfort of their homes,” said Dangol.

Ongahama Limbu, 93, a native of Chulachuli, said she suffers from indigestion but had never sought treatment until now.

“Since the health workers visit us at home and provide treatment, I have started taking medicines for my indigestion. I feel much better now,” Limbu said.

A majority of senior citizens in the municipality are patients of high blood pressure, diabetes and respiratory diseases, according to Dangol.

Din Prasad Dulal, joint health coordinator of the rural municipality, said health workers also provide treatment to people other than senior citizens in the villages.

“We try to provide our services to all people regardless of their age. Only critical patients are referred to fully-facilitated hospitals,” said Dulal.

According to Dangol, more than 300 senior citizens have already received treatment from the door-to-door campaign.

Besides Chhathar Jorpati Rural Municipality, Mahalaxmi Municipality in the district has also been providing free health services to senior citizens at their doorsteps, said Mayor Parshuram Nepal.