The Medicine

One morning, this winter, Janice Belson, so far an unknown entity in my life, and I decided to meet at my home in Lalitpur. However, it was "Karmic". A tete a tete soon followed, punctuated with a fair share of pleasant diversions provided by my daughter, thrilled at having "a blonde haired, blue eyed" company for lunch.

The first question that hit me hard, as I squatted through the chilly, wintry morning, squinting at letters that gaped at me from the various papers and paraphernalia was, why would an "all American girl," be interested in ill equipped health posts precariously perched on trails in the back woods of Nepal? Why? For during my short and colourful encounters with them I have invariably had frivolous discussions on the pollution, the dearth of political instability, street children and the sights and sounds of Thamel - a far cry from what faced me up front.

A story of intrigue, virtue and dedicated passion unfolded as I sat with this 56-year-old American mom, from Los Angeles. "It’s a simple idea really, isn’t it often true that the simplest things can make the most difference". These words began my six hour introduction to the history of "Medicines For Nepal(GB)", this lady happened to be its executive director

Every year thousands of travellers visit some of the world’s remote corners. The year 1999 saw approximately 100,000 adventure travellers visit Nepal. Trekkers pay thousands of dollars for these vacations, despite that Nepal remains among the poorest in the world. An estimated 9.2 million Nepalese are living in destitution according to the World Bank. If 20% of these travellers had taken 1/2 pound packages of medical supplies to major health posts along the trails, more than 1200 pounds of medicine could have been transported to major health posts along the trail. Medicines For Nepal(GB)are in the process of creating opportunities for adventure travellers to become aware of this simple concept of delivering first aid supplies that compliment the large shipment of supplies once or twice a year delivered to Kanti Children’s Hospital in Kathmandu and other established clinics through Medicines For Nepal(GB).

It all emerged out of a dream, a passionate ambition of one individual who wanted to one day transform the lives of little bare foot children running through the high valleys in the shadow of the Himalayas. It started with her passion for photography, an obsession with mountains and an ever-growing desire to trek and photograph the people of Nepal. Close associates and owners of the Chomolungmu Trekking and Expedition Agency, Ang Norbu Sherpa and his wife Lakpa, initiated a unique trekking plan. This was the first decisive step towards the creation of this benevolent global revolution, called Medicines For Nepal(GB), which would soon witness incredible support, endorsements and sponsorships from significant corporations.

In the year 1992 a small American group progressed into the rugged terrain of the Everest region for a 2 month long trail and exploration of the Himalayas. "The spirit of Everest", an awe-inspiring series followed. Janice had captured those priceless moments on film. However, an almost insatiable desire to retrace the tracks of the Himalayas persisted, for she had one of the most strange and vivid experiences along the dusty trails. She had seen children with severe nutritional deficiencies. The next few years saw Janice coming to terms with a painful knee injury during a photo film shoot. Nevertheless, sheer determination, a lust for life and her foremost mission to give back something to the people that so inspired her, brought her back to the hills and mountains that had by now become her life blood.

Janice met Dr. Usha Raj, chief division officer of Neanatology, UCLA, in 1998. It became quickly apparent to both that the expertise and competence of Dr Usha Raj and Janice’s readiness to help and return to Nepal could create extraordinary changes in the daily health problems of Nepal, particularly for the children.

An odyssey into the Everest region began for a team of eight high profile Americans and with them came the first 45 boxes of medical supplies. These boxes would save the lives of 3000 children and prevent early nutritional blindness. It was November 1st 1999. Medicines for Nepal (GB) had the corporate sponsorship of among others "Operation USA" (a joint winner of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize). Kanti Children’s Hospital, Kathmandu, spearheaded by the director, Dr.Govinda Raj Ojha, would be the centre of all its activities.

The November 2000 trek that took in pharmaceuticals such as vitamin A would cater to the needs of 45,000 children. This benevolent way to travel globally was a life changing event for Greg Wozer, general manager, Leki USA an incredible supporter who decided to join the team. The team had Johanna Belson a young audio visual specialist, Rama Nand Tiwari, owner and publisher of the Pilgrims Book House in Kathmandu, Chris Gubera, director of Adventure Medical Kits, Ang Norbu Sherpa, Sarah Luck Gossage, administrator of Operations USA, Ram the cook, and Krishna, the head sardar. These adventure travellers with a difference dropped off medical supplies along the trails at all the major health posts.

"What if every backpacker, every adventure traveller could deliver a tiny package of basic medical supplies such as aspirin or bandages to some of the worlds remote locations? Rural doctors and medical clinics that go without supplies would receive a steady trickling stream from passing travellers so that minor every day injuries don’t turn into medical emergencies for simple lack of antiseptics and ointment," these words convey the mission statement.

This group of visionaries is now in the process of developing an interactive educative based website that will allow travellers in the process of planning their adventure vacation, to learn more about their destination and to learn what they can do to make all the difference. They will be taught how to put together a small package of the most needed over the counter medical supplies and where to deliver them along the way and directions to health posts or hospitals.

The little dream that grew out of plain compassion and a deep seated feeling to help, finally emerged as a major mission with corporate heads of the I2 Foundation, Pat Rangel, director, Ed Viesters, Mountain Guide, Jim Meyers of Outdoor Research, Tom Meyers of Therm-A-Rest, Hotel Tibet, Kathmandu, Ron Nadeau, from Grabber Smith Glasses, Yolo Sport, Thai Airways, Los Angeles endorsing this marvelous and benevolent way of travelling. In Nepal, Dr Shyam Prasad Bhattarai, chief policy planning officer of the Foreign Aid and Monitoring Division at the Ministry of Health in a letter of appreciation thanked and applauded Medicines For Nepal (GB) for, "The medicines worth 55,000 US dollars distributed to the poor people and specially sick children of Nepal".

With the talent of Thangka Artist, Tenzing Norbu Lama, who catapulted into instant fame with his artistic rendition of Eric Vallis’ "Caravans Of The Himalayas", a brilliant logo was created, instantly reflecting the maxim and purpose of this organization. Simple yet powerful.

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