Healing close to home: Srijana’s journey to ear care

Stories | Published: August 11, 2025 | Updated: October 1, 2025

If you’ve ever had a serious ear injury, you’ll know how painful and disruptive it can be. For Srijana, a teenager from a rural town in Nepal, it was more than just a passing discomfort – it was a long-standing problem. Despite seeking treatment at a local medical centre, her condition persisted, and she continued to live with ear pain.

A turning point came when Srijana heard a radio announcement about a free ear screening camp that was being held at the district hospital. The camp was part of a CBM supported project aimed at helping people with visual and hearing impairments in Karnali province access the care they need. Organised by CBM’s local partner, Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh, the camp was set up to meet the eye and ear care needs of people living in remote areas – many of whom have long gone without treatment due to geographical isolation, limited services, and financial hardship.

At the screening camp, doctors examined Srijana found that she had a ruptured ear drum and needed surgery. Her father, who also had ear pain, was screened and found to need surgery too.

Soon after, the free ear surgery camp was held, both Srijana and her father underwent surgery – without having to travel far and worry about the cost. By bringing specialised ear care directly to their community, the project removed the financial and travel barriers that often prevent people from accessing treatment.

The surgeries were successful, and follow-up visits showed that both Srijana and her father were healing well. They shared how thankful they were to receive timely and accessible ear care close to their home.

This story shows the power of local healthcare. By providing ear care services within the community, the project not only helped relieve painful ear conditions for people like Srijana and her father – improving their quality of life – but also reduced the financial and travel barriers that often come with accessing specialised treatment in distant cities. It’s a clear example of how bringing affordable and accessible healthcare closer to home can make a lasting difference.

CBM Australia acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).

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https://www.cbm.org.au/stories/healing-close-to-home-srijanas-journey-to-ear-care

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