Activities Performed by Nepal Heart Foundation in Gandaki Province
From January 20 to 22, 2026, the Nepal Heart Foundation (NHF), in coordination with its local
branches, successfully conducted school-based heart screening programs across Syangja District, Parbat District, and Myagdi District. These initiatives were implemented in collaboration with the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation and the End RHD Campaign, aiming to promote early detection and timely management of heart diseases among school children.
In Coordination with Edwards Lifesciences Foundation
Under this partnership, a total of 9,591 students from 25 schools were screened using stethoscopes to detect abnormal heart murmurs. District-wise coverage included 3,006 students from 11 schools in Syangja, 3,562 students from 6 schools in Parbat, and 3,023 students from 8 schools in Myagdi. Students suspected of having cardiac abnormalities were further evaluated using portable echocardiography, with 911 students undergoing detailed diagnostic assessment.
Following thorough evaluation, 72 students were diagnosed with heart disease, including 23
cases of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) and 49 cases of Congenital Heart Disease (CHD).
Among them, 11 students required surgical intervention and were referred to Kathmandu for
further evaluation and treatment.
In Coordination with End RHD Campaign
Through collaboration with the End RHD Campaign, NHF screened an additional 1,896
students across 21 schools in the same districts during the same period. The district reakdown
included 255 students from 11 schools in Syangja, 973 students from 7 schools in Parbat, and 668 students from 3 schools in Myagdi. A total of 185 students underwent echocardiographic examination for precise diagnosis following initial stethoscope screening.
This phase resulted in the diagnosis of 10 students with heart disease, including 2 cases of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) and 8 cases of Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). Two students required surgical intervention and were referred to Kathmandu for further management.
Medical and Support Team
The screening and evaluation process was carried out by a dedicated multidisciplinary team
comprising:
Dr. Satyan Narayan Suwal
Dr. Prem Raj Baidya
Dr. Prakash Raj Regmi
Dr. Urmila Shakya
Dr. Ram Kishor Sah
Dr. Sumanta Banjade
Dr. Parag Karki
Dr. Bishwo Baral
RN Anmol Maharjan
HA Mohan Man Shrestha
Mr. Keshab Psd. Dhakal
Their collective expertise and commitment ensured accurate diagnosis, timely referral, and
compassionate care for the students identified with cardiac conditions.
Overall Impact
Through these collaborative efforts, NHF screened a combined total of 11,487 students from 46 schools, conducted 1,096 echocardiographic evaluations, identified 82 cases of heart disease, and referred 13 students for surgical intervention. These initiatives underscore the importance of strategic partnerships in strengthening early detection, expanding access to specialized cardiac services, and safeguarding the heart health of children in rural Nepal.