Free Health Services Restore Hope for Bhutanese Refugees in Beldangi Camps
The end of the Third Country Resettlement Program left many Bhutanese refugees in the Beldangi camps without vital support. With donor assistance reduced, access to education, employment and—critically—healthcare became severely limited. After 2018, thousands of camp residents struggled to access treatment, medicines, or even basic primary care.
Renewed health services restore access and dignity
In response to the crisis, Global Foundation Nepal, supported by the Global Foundation of America, restarted a free healthcare program in the Beldangi camps. The initiative provides regular medical check-ups, free medicines, counseling and essential care for both refugees and members of the local host community.
Program staff report that the service addresses urgent gaps—treating chronic illness, preventing life-threatening conditions and linking patients to follow-up care when necessary. The renewed services are also explicitly offered to local residents, fostering shared access and stronger social harmony between refugees and the host community.
Voices from the camp
“When no one was looking after us, receiving medical care felt like a miracle. We were suffering without treatment, and some conditions could have cost us our lives. The donors have given us hope when everything felt lost. If night-time services could also be available, it would be a great blessing for us.”
“We have been receiving free medicines from the beginning. In our poverty, even small medical expenses are impossible to manage. This service has become our lifeline. We are truly thankful to the donors who made this possible.”
Several patients also described previous difficulties accessing care at local hospitals—long waits, high fees and difficulties of understand hospital system. A number of refugees said administrative hurdles had discouraged them from seeking care outside the camp.
“Earlier, we faced many problems in the local hospitals. Long delays, and high fees made it very hard for us. After the establishment of Global Health Service, we are receiving all medical facilities without facing any trouble. The staff treat us with respect, and we feel safe here.”
Impact beyond treatment
Beyond immediate medical care, the program has helped restore dignity and stability for refugees who had long gone without dependable services. By offering equal-access care to host-community residents, the initiative also supports social cohesion and reduces tensions over scarce resources.
Organizers say the program will continue to prioritize basic medicines, primary care, and community outreach while assessing demand for extended services such as nighttime clinics and specialist referrals.