Rising Cases of Blood Pressure and Sugar in Beldangi || Health Awareness Among Bhutanese Refugees:
The Bhutanese refugee community in Beldangi and Sanischare camps has been living in Nepal for over three decades. Over time, the population has aged, and with it, new health challenges have emerged. Among them, the most common and growing problems are high blood pressure, heart diseases, mental illness and diabetes (commonly called sugar). These chronic diseases are silently affecting the daily lives of hundreds of residents, especially senior citizens who remain in the camps after their families resettled in third countries.
Many elderly refugees have no close family members left behind to care for them. After their children resettled in the USA, Canada, Australia, and other countries, some elderly parents decided to stay back in Nepal—motivated by a sense of belonging and an unshakable love for their homeland, Bhutan. But without regular medical supervision and family support, managing chronic health conditions has become a serious challenge for them.
A Growing Health Concern in the Camps
A staff member from the Global Health Clinic in Beldangi reported that most of the elderly patients visiting the clinic suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, nerves and joint-related problems. “Every day, we see elderly men and women coming with dizziness, headaches, or weakness. Many live alone and don’t take medicine regularly because they can’t afford it or forget the dosage. "We provide free checkups, medicines and awareness sessions, but more community support is needed,” said the staff member.
The Global Health Clinic has been providing free-of-cost medical services to both the refugee and host communities. It has become a vital center for regular blood pressure monitoring, and counseling. Despite limited resources, the clinic plays an essential role in keeping the community informed and healthy.
According to health workers, stress, poor diet, and reduced physical activity are the leading causes of hypertension and diabetes in camp areas. With changing lifestyles, easy access to packaged food, and lack of awareness with regard to their eating habits many people unknowingly develop these diseases.
Understanding Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps. A healthy blood pressure level is generally around 120/80 mmHg. When the pressure stays high for a long time, it’s called hypertension; when it’s too low, it’s called hypotension.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
- Blurred vision or dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or irregular heartbeat
- Feeling stressed or irritated easily
Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
- Sudden dizziness or fainting when standing
- Cold, sweaty, or pale skin
- Nausea or fatigue
- Weak pulse or confusion
Both high and low blood pressure can be dangerous if ignored. High blood pressure can damage the heart, kidneys, and brain, leading to stroke or heart disease. Low blood pressure can cause fainting, which may lead to falls and injuries, especially in older adults.
Understanding Diabetes (Sugar)
Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, leading to increased sugar (glucose) levels in the blood. There are mainly two types:
- Type 1: Often develops at a young age when the body stops producing insulin.
- Type 2: More common in adults; occurs when the body cannot use insulin properly or produces too little.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Extreme tiredness or weakness
- Sudden weight loss
- Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections
- Blurred vision or tingling in hands and feet
If untreated, diabetes can damage nerves, eyes, kidneys, and the heart. Early detection and proper care can prevent serious complications.
Why Awareness Matters
Many people tend to ignore early symptoms of illness until the condition becomes serious. Some hesitate to visit health centers because they have no one to accompany them or look after them during treatment. Most of the elderly people living in the refugee camps are either single-headed families or elderly couples without children.
These seniors often live independently in small bamboo hut, managing daily life on their own despite age-related difficulties. Because of loneliness, emotional stress, and limited access to proper nutrition, their health conditions—especially blood pressure and diabetes—tend to worsen over time. Global Clinic health workers and volunteers have been urging the elderly to attend regular health checkups and not to ignore even minor symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or headache, which could be early warning signs of hypertension or sugar imbalance. Regular screening for blood pressure and sugar levels, even at home, can make a huge difference.
Community leaders and youth volunteers can organize health awareness camps every few months. Awareness programs that teach people how to check their pressure, eat a balanced diet, and recognize symptoms can save lives.
Preventive Measures and Local Remedies
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are simple ways to prevent and manage blood pressure and diabetes at home using local and affordable practices.
For High Blood Pressure
Eat more:
- Fresh fruits like bananas, apples, oranges, and papaya
- Green leafy vegetables: spinach, coriander, bottle gourd (lauka), and cucumber
- Garlic and ginger (natural blood pressure regulators)
- Low-fat milk and curd
- Plenty of clean drinking water
Avoid:
- Too much salt in food
- Fried and oily foods
- Pickles and packaged snacks
- Alcohol, smoking, and tobacco
For Low Blood Pressure
Eat and drink more:
- Salted soups or light salted water (in moderation)
- Whole grains, eggs, and nuts
- Plenty of fluids and fruit juices
- ORS
Avoid: Alcohol, skipping meals, or standing for long periods without rest.
For Diabetes (Sugar)
Eat more:
- Bitter gourd (tite karela) juice or curry
- Fenugreek (methi) seeds soaked overnight and taken in the morning
- Brown rice, millet (kodo, makai), and oats instead of white rice
- Green vegetables and fiber-rich food
- Neem leaves in small amounts (natural blood purifier)
Avoid:
- Sweets, chocolates, and sugary drinks
- White rice, bread, and bakery items
- Smoking and alcohol
Lifestyle and Mental Health
Physical health is closely linked to mental well-being. Many elderly refugees feel lonely or depressed due to separation from family. This emotional stress can directly affect blood pressure and sugar levels. Engaging in social activities, prayer, gardening, or light exercise can help improve mood and reduce stress.
Yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises are powerful ways to calm the mind. Even five minutes of deep breathing every morning can stabilize blood pressure and improve heart function. Engage in re-creational activities like walking with fellow-mates, singing, dancing and playing music, listening music and watching TV.
Community Efforts and Support
The Global Foundation in Beldangi has been playing a major role by offering free health checkups, medicines, and awareness programs through Global Health Clinic. Their dedication has given hope to many elderly residents who otherwise struggle to access care.
The Global Health Clinic continues to serve as a lifeline for the Bhutanese Refugee communities. With limited funding and a small team, they provide free checkups, health counseling, and medicine distribution. The staff emphasize that awareness and prevention are the keys to long-term health improvement.
Camp-based organizations and youth groups are encouraged to support elderly residents—helping them with daily medication, escorting them to the clinic, or simply spending time listening to them. Compassion and community care can make a bigger difference than expensive treatments.
Final Message
Good health is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Every person, whether in a camp or outside, has the right to live a healthy and dignified life. Small actions at home, such as reducing salt, avoiding sugary foods, walking daily, and staying positive, can prevent serious diseases.
Awareness begins with each one of us. Let us take care of ourselves and support those who need help around us. A healthy community is a happy community.