Dr. Bijay, a prominent surgeon in Bardiya, Nepal, is a man whose journey to becoming a doctor was not a straightforward path. Born into a family where education was a priority, Bijay's father, a teacher, harbored dreams of his eldest son becoming a doctor. However, until his high school days, Bijay had no intention of following in his father’s footsteps. He was more interested in going abroad after his 12th grade, and the idea of becoming a doctor seemed distant.
 

His father, however, was persistent. He urged Vijay to pursue medicine, and after much persuasion, Bijay finally agreed. His father’s dream was to see him become a doctor, and Bijay’s decision to follow that path would eventually lead him to a successful career in medicine.
 

Bijay was born in Krishna Nagar, Kapilvastu, in 1983. His father, being a teacher, created a nurturing academic environment for him from a young age. After completing his SLC and +2 in Kathmandu, Bijay moved to China in 2004 to pursue an MBBS degree. His journey was not easy, but with his father's support and his own determination, he completed his MBBS studies and returned to Nepal in 2009.             Upon his return, Dr. Bijay worked as an intern at several prominent hospitals, including the Butwal Provincial Hospital, Kanti Children’s Hospital, and Shree Harsha Hospital. This hands-on experience helped shape his medical skills and laid the foundation for his future career.
 

However, Dr. Bijay felt that he could do more with further education. In 2012, he returned to China to pursue a Master's degree in General Surgery (MS) at Dali University. The financial and emotional support of his wife allowed him to pursue his specialization, and in 2015, he returned to Nepal with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in surgery. Upon returning to Nepal, Dr. Bijay worked for a year in a private hospital in Bhairahawa before moving to Bardiya Hospital. At that time, the hospital lacked proper infrastructure for surgeries, making it difficult to perform even basic procedures. However, Dr. Bijay was determined to make a difference. With the help of the hospital director and medical team, they gradually improved the hospital’s resources, and surgeries began to take place.
 

The first surgeries were relatively simple, like hydrocele procedures, but over time, as the hospital's resources improved, more complex surgeries were performed. Dr. Bijay and his team provided critical care to patients in the region, often overcoming the challenges of limited resources and financial constraints. Dr. Bijay recalls a particularly unforgettable case from around seven years ago when a 56-year-old man from the Tharu community was rushed to Bardiya Hospital's emergency room with severe abdominal pain. After examination, Dr. Bijay discovered that the patient’s intestine had ruptured due to a hernia. Immediate surgery was required to save his life. However, the hospital lacked the necessary resources for such a high-risk procedure.
 

Considering the patient’s financial situation, Dr. Bijay realized that referring him to another hospital was not an option. The man had little money, and his only son had passed away a year earlier from kidney failure, leaving the family financially devastated. The patient’s neighbors urged Dr. Bijay to take the risk and operate at Bardiya Hospital. After consulting with his team, Dr. Bijay decided to go ahead with the surgery despite the risks. The surgery was successful, and the patient’s life was saved. While the patient could not express his gratitude in words, his emotions were clear in his face. The man continued to visit Dr. Bijay regularly, bringing small gifts like honey, fruits, and vegetables as a token of appreciation.
 

Another life-saving experience that stands out for Dr. Bijay occurred just a few months ago when a 13-year-old girl was brought to the emergency room with a critical condition. The girl’s appendix had ruptured, and her condition was deteriorating rapidly. The hospital lacked the resources to perform the surgery, and her family had only 500 rupees, far too little for treatment at a better-equipped hospital.
 

Despite the risks, Dr. Bijay decided to perform the surgery at Bardiya Hospital. He successfully removed the infected tissue and inserted a drain to help with the drainage. After the surgery, complications arose, and the girl’s health continued to decline. After further testing, Dr. Bijay diagnosed her with tuberculosis (TB), which had spread to her abdomen, causing appendicitis. He immediately started her on TB medication, and after nine months of treatment, the girl made a full recovery.

To support the family, Dr. Bijay arranged for the girl’s father to work at the hospital in exchange for food. After a week of work, the family was able to manage the expenses, and the girl was discharged from the hospital in good health.
Dr. Bijay’s career is a testament to the power of determination, sacrifice, and compassion. From a reluctant student to a skilled surgeon saving lives in Bardiya, his journey is one of overcoming obstacles and making a significant impact in his community. His dedication to his patients, even in the face of limited resources, has earned him the respect and gratitude of many.
 

Today, Dr. Bijay continues to work at Bardiya Hospital, where he remains committed to improving healthcare in the region. His story is an inspiration to others in the medical field and a reminder of the difference one person can make in the lives of many.