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On 19th September, The stroke team from the BPKIHS (BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences) Students’ Wing, in collaboration with the Municipality and Chatara Hospital, organized a street drama in front of the hospital gate at Barahakshetra – 2, Chatara. The primary aim of the drama was to raise awareness about the devastating effects of stroke on both the patients and their families, as well as to highlight the importance of timely medical intervention.
The drama depicted a real-life scenario, educating the public on how negligence and societal pressure can lead to life-threatening health consequences. The local community, including hospital staff, municipal authorities, and passersby, gathered to witness the event, making it a successful awareness campaign.
The street drama revolved around a common farmer working in the fields who begins to develop symptoms of Hypertension (HTN). Initially, the farmer visits a medical camp, receives medication, and is advised to continue treatment regularly. However, due to pressure from his neighbors, who dismiss the necessity of taking modern medicine, the farmer stops taking his prescribed medication.
Over time, the farmer experiences an acute Stroke Attack, but instead of seeking proper medical treatment, he is influenced by the community and visits a traditional healer, known locally as a Dhaami. This delay in receiving proper medical care results in a severe progression of the stroke, leaving the farmer with severe health complications. Ultimately, he is admitted to the ICU but is left bedridden, causing immense strain on his family, both emotionally and financially.
Key Themes:
1. Health Education on Stroke:
– The drama aimed to educate the public about the seriousness of stroke, how it develops, and the importance of early detection, especially in high-risk individuals like those with hypertension.
2. Societal Pressure and Myths: 2
– The farmer’s reluctance to take his prescribed medication due to pressure from his neighbors highlights the dangerous role that misinformation and societal pressure can play in health outcomes.
3. Delay in Medical Treatment:
– By portraying the consequences of seeking traditional healers instead of modern medical care, the drama emphasizes the importance of immediate medical intervention after stroke symptoms appear. The delay in seeking help not only worsened the farmer’s condition but also highlighted the cultural gap in medical literacy.
4. Family and Community Impact:
– The storyline also showed the ripple effect of a stroke on the patient’s family and friends. The farmer’s bedridden condition leaves his family in a state of distress, emotionally and financially, depicting the heavy burden caregivers face.
Impact of the Drama:
The drama was highly impactful, leaving the audience with a deep understanding of the consequences of ignoring medical advice and the importance of consistent treatment. It also served as a reminder that community beliefs, while important, should not interfere with medical decisions that can save lives. The portrayal of the stroke patient’s family emphasized the emotional and financial toll such conditions can have on loved ones, urging the public to take medical advice seriously to prevent such outcomes.
The students of BPKIHS, along with the support from the Municipality and Chatara Hospital, successfully conveyed a powerful message through their performance. The engagement with the audience was notable, with discussions following the drama about the importance of timely medical intervention in stroke cases.
Conclusion:
The street drama was a vital initiative in raising awareness about stroke and the dangers of untreated hypertension. It showcased the need for community education, timely medical treatment, and the fight against harmful societal pressures. The collaboration between BPKIHS, the Municipality, and Chatara Hospital made the event a success, offering both entertainment and an important lesson in healthcare awareness.
The event left a lasting impression, encouraging the local population to be proactive in managing their health and to understand the significance of immediate medical care when dealing with potentially life-threatening conditions like stroke.
