Social Impact

As a urologist working in Far-Western Nepal, Dr. Sumeet Karna believes that advanced medical care should not be limited only to those who can easily afford it. His social responsibility work focuses on improving access to essential urological procedures for patients with limited resources, especially those living with chronic kidney disease.

The guiding principle is simple: to treat each patient with the same honesty, care, and responsibility that he would extend to his own family, and to use his skills where they can make the greatest difference in quality of life.

Free AV Fistula Surgery Initiative

In Nepal, the government provides important support for patients with end-stage kidney disease through subsidised or free hemodialysis sessions at various centers throughout the country. However, many patients still struggle to afford the initial vascular access surgery – the creation of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) – which is essential for safe, long-term dialysis.

To help close this gap, Dr. Sumeet Karna has initiated a programme in collaboration with Maya Metro Hospital, Dhangadhi providing free AV fistula surgery for selected patients with end-stage kidney disease (CKD), particularly those from low-income backgrounds in Sudurpaschim Province.

Why AV Fistula Matters ?

An arterio-venous fistula or AVF is the preferred form of vascular access for haemodialysis. Compared to temporary hemodialysis catheters, it offers better blood flow, fewer chances of infections, and longer durability.

For many patients, a well-functioning AVF is the difference between interrupted, risky dialysis and more stable long-term treatment.

Who Benefits ?

The initiative primarily supports patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease who:

  • Require long-term haemodialysis
  • Have financial difficulty in affording AV fistula creation
  • Travel from remote districts of Sudurpaschim for kidney care

How the Programme Works ?

Eligible patients contact directly at the hospital or are identified through the dialysis unit and treating physicians/nephrologists.

After clinical assessment and vascular mapping where needed, AV fistula creation surgery is performed free of cost and significantly reduced other charges, depending on available support.

Goal

The goal is to ensure that financial constraints do not delay or deny a patient’s chance to receive a durable dialysis access.

The programme continues to evolve, with the long-term goal of building a sustainable model that combines hospital support, personal contribution, and future partnerships.

Beyond Surgery: Supporting Patients & Community

"Social responsibility in healthcare extends beyond a single operation."

In day-to-day practice, Dr. Karna also focuses on:

  • Spending extra time counselling patients and families about end-stage renal disease, dialysis, and renal transplant options
  • Helping patients understand realistic risks, benefits, and costs of different treatments
  • Prioritising procedures that offer the best balance of safety, effectiveness, and affordability
  • Working with hospital teams to streamline pathways for urgent cases, such as obstructing stones or urinary retention
  • Encouraging rational use of antibiotics and investigations to reduce unnecessary expenses

Many of these efforts are not visible outside the consultation room or operating theatre, but they are central to his understanding of ethical and compassionate practice.

Future Directions

Over time, Dr. Karna hopes to formalise and expand this work through a structured platform dedicated to kidney and urological care in underserved regions of Nepal. The long-term vision includes:

  • Running regular AV fistula and stone surgery camps for financially disadvantaged patients
  • Creating awareness by using simple, multilingual educational materials on kidney health and urine problems
  • Systematically tracking outcomes to measure the impact of free and subsidised care
  • Building collaborations with like-minded clinicians, organisations, and potential supporters

Until such a platform is formally established, this work continues quietly through day-to-day clinical practice and focused initiatives at Maya Metro Hospital.

For Patients & Well-Wishers

If you are a patient with chronic kidney disease or a family member seeking information about dialysis access (AV fistula or hemodialysis catheter), you may contact Maya Metro Hospital directly for free appointments with Dr. Sumeet Karna.

Contact person for further information:
Mr. Jagat Mahata, Phone/Whatsapp: +977-9844586123

Individuals or organisations interested in supporting or learning more about these social responsibility initiatives can reach out via email: contact@sumeetkarna.com.np. Formal donation channels and dedicated programmes will be announced separately if and when they are established.

Disclaimer

This page is intended purely to share ongoing efforts to improve awareness, access to care, and does not replace hospital policies, government schemes, or individualized professional clinical advice.