Kathmandu, Aug. 18 -- Laxmi Chaudhary from Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City in Kailali district has been living in Kathmandu for the past one year for treatment of gland TB, medically known as tuberculous lymphadenitis.

The 54-year-old was referred to Bir Hospital by doctors at Seti Provincial Hospital in Dhangadhi after her condition did not improve even after a year of medication.

"In the initial stage, she used to come to Kathmandu every month," said Dr Prajowl Shrestha, senior chest physician and associate professor at the National Academy of Medical Sciences. "But when she ran out of money, she decided to rent a room in Kathmandu. Expenses were huge, as she had to bring her family members also."

Although tuberculosis medicines are ...