Medical Health Camp – Lifesaving Care for Chepel
On December 13, 2025, a team of nine medical professionals — including four cardiologists and cardiac surgeons from Nepal — will visit Chepel for six days under the leadership of the renowned Nepali cardiologist Prof. Dr. Prakash Regmi. In the newly opened Health Post (operational since January 2025), around 800 children will be examined, including cardiological screenings for rheumatic heart disease as well as general health check-ups. In addition, approximately 2,000 adults will receive essential screenings such as heart examinations (with mobile ECG and ultrasound), as well as tests for diabetes and hypertension.
Children with abnormal cardiac findings will receive free further treatment in Kathmandu, including surgery if necessary. For adults, Friends of Chepel e.V. will review support on a case-by-case basis.
Dr. Regmi and his team have been conducting such Health Camps successfully for more than ten years in remote regions of Nepal, having already examined around 350,000 people. For Chepel, this project represents the first medical care of this scale.
An Apple Orchard – Growing the Future in Chepel
In spring 2026 we are launching a pioneering pilot project in Chepel: the establishment of a modern high-density apple orchard, inspired by the highly successful model of Agro Manang Pvt. Ltd. in Nepal. Thanks to high-quality seedlings cultivated in South Tyrol and an efficient cultivation method, the first harvests can already be expected after just three years. These robust trees thrive in altitudes up to 3,000 m (Chepel is located at approx. 2,300 m) and will produce flavorful, locally grown apples for many years — an important contribution in a country that currently imports around 90% of its apples. Locally produced apples have been increasingly in demand in Nepal in recent years!
Selected families in Chepel receive hands-on training in existing orchards to ensure that valuable knowledge and skills become firmly rooted in the community. The harvest offers multiple sources of income: fresh apples, juice, apple sauce, and the highly popular apple chips.
By planting 600 trees, we are laying the foundation for a project that creates economic opportunities and inspires more families to become apple growers themselves. Step by step, this will build a strong local value chain and open up new possibilities for long-term income security.
