Free Knee Surgery for 32 Patients in Buddha's Birthplace

Rupandehi, October 4, 2023. In the first event of Buddha's First Step Project, 32 patients from Lumbini received free knee surgeries. Thai meditation teacher Sudharmaguru and the Orthopedic Division of Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, along with Professor Dr. Kirati Siwanich, organized a health camp in Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace, where they conducted knee surgeries.

A team of medical professionals and healthcare workers from Siriraj Hospital in Thailand, led by Professor Dr. Kirati Siwanich, used modern techniques to perform these surgeries. Offering free treatment for knee conditions, known for their high cost, in Lumbini and its surroundings was a significant achievement.

In a program held to uplift the spirits of the doctors and patients involved in the surgeries, gratitude was expressed for providing free knee treatment in Nepal using modern techniques. Thai meditation guru and medical professionals, inspired by Buddha's message of serving humanity, organized this unique health camp in Lumbini.

Dr. Lharkyal Lama, Vice-Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust, praised the Thai doctors for their contribution and expressed the need for more such programs in coordination with Lumbini and its monasteries.

Ven. Sudharma, a Thai meditation teacher, appreciated the successful implementation of free knee surgeries for economically disadvantaged communities in Lumbini. He mentioned that Buddha's influence had also led to health camps in rural areas of Thailand under Dr. Kirati's leadership.

This initiative extended its services outside Thailand, starting in Lumbini on the occasion of the Thai King's birthday in July 2023, from July 27 to July 30. During the program, 707 individuals received free knee examinations. The health camp was coordinated by Rajakiya Thai Vihara Lumbini.

Sanuraja Shakya, member-secretary of the Lumbini Development Trust, highlighted the significance of providing free knee treatments in Lumbini due to its association with Buddha's birthplace. He stressed the need for more programs connecting Lumbini with its monasteries.

The knee surgery team from Thailand, consisting of 16 doctors, 14 therapists, nurses, and support staff, collaborated with Siddhartha Nagar City Hospital. Various medical equipment and instruments were brought in for the treatments.

Dr. Subodh Kumar Pandey, the chairman of Siddharthanagar City Hospital, expressed his satisfaction in collaborating with Siriraj Hospital for such complex procedures, which were successful in just two hours. Knee surgeries were performed on 14 patients on Monday and 16 patients on Tuesday.

The program was attended by representatives from the Thai Embassy, Ganesh Aryal, the Chief District Officer of Rupandehi, and Ven. Supot Kittiwonno, Chief Abbot of the Royal Thai Monastery, Lumbini, among others. Siriraj Hospital, with a legacy of 135 years, stands by the motto of 'Love for Humanity.