Our Story

Doctors for Nepal is dedicated to transforming healthcare in rural Nepal, by providing scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds to study at Nepali medical schools, and delivering health projects and emergency response. All our medical, nursing, and midwifery scholars make a commitment to serve in a remote area for at least two years, greatly reducing the disparity in access to healthcare in rural Nepal.

We are building a self-sustaining network of Nepali-trained healthcare professionals committed to equal healthcare in rural regions, so creating an enduring impact.

Our Journey

In 2006 Kate Yarrow, a young UK doctor, was posted to western Nepal by the international aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières. The only doctor in a small hospital perched on a mountainside and several days’ walk from a paved road, she experienced first-hand the desperate medical need of the isolated communities. The situation was exacerbated by the harsh mountain environment, political instability, and the poor economic status of the country. Her medical assistant, Lalit, dreamed of becoming a doctor to serve his community, but the training fees were far beyond the reach of his impoverished family. On returning to the UK, Kate vowed that, if he could gain a place at medical school, she would raise the funds to pay for Lalit’s training. In this way they could make a lasting contribution to the health of his community.

2006

Kate meets Lalit

2011

Kate establishes the charity Doctors for Nepal to support Lalit’s medical journey. The charity sets out to award a scholarship to at least one new medical student per year

2012

Lalit becomes the first DFN doctor and serves for four years in rural Nepal.

2016 – 2019

DFN expands its activities to offer nursing and midwifery scholarships, beginning a collaboration with the first medical school to be established in the Far West of Nepal, Karnali Academy of Health Sciences

2021

With the help of DFN, Lalit qualifies as a consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and returns to rural Nepal to work as the first specialist in his province.

2025

To date, DFN has awarded 40 scholarships to medical, nursing and midwifery students and qualified doctors doing their postgraduate study. Each DFN-supported practitioner provides vital medical access to thousands who previously had to travel days for basic care.

Our Vision and How We Operate

Targeted Selection

We focus on the most deprived districts in Nepal and support candidates with the greatest need and highest potential. Candidates are chosen jointly by DFN and our partner institutions based on socio-economic background, academic promise, and a commitment to rural service.

Cultural Fit and Lasting Impact

Being local, DFN scholars understand the dialect and cultural nuances of their communities, so can build trust with their patients and engagement with local health services . Graduates are bonded to complete 2–4 years of rural service —ensuring long-term impact. The scholars finish their courses free from debt, so do not need to work abroad to pay off loans from family and friends.

Ongoing Mentorship

We monitor scholars’ progress and provide support through their education and early career. Our scholars work as a team on DFN projects and support each other.