One summer day, in the streets of Thimphu, I found myself in a situation that would forever alter the course of my life. As I walked through town, the need to take my medicines became urgent, yet I couldn’t afford a simple bottle of water to swallow the pills. It was a moment of stark realization—I had hit rock bottom.
Reflecting on that challenging time takes me back to the days when I had just graduated from Sharabtse College and ventured to Thimphu in search of employment. Alone and uncertain, I clung to hope as tightly as I could. Landing a job as a civil servant seemed like a stroke of luck, but fate had other plans in store for me.
As my health deteriorated, my body betrayed me, succumbing to excruciating pain and debilitating symptoms. Hospitalization revealed the grim reality—I was suffering from kidney failure, a diagnosis that shattered my world. The ensuing years were marked by relentless dialysis treatments and surgeries, each one stripping away a part of my dignity and strength.
I vividly recall the agonizing moments when even water became a poison to my ailing body, and the mere act of eating felt like ingesting venom. It was a desperate battle for survival, one that drained me of both finances and hope. But amidst the darkness, a flicker of inspiration ignited within me.
During my grueling treatment in India, a seed of an idea took root—an idea to establish a foundation that would offer solace and support to kidney patients like myself. Despite setbacks and failures upon my return to Bhutan, my unwavering determination kept me going. I poured my heart and soul into my vision, resigning from my job to pursue it wholeheartedly.
Although my initial attempts faltered, I refused to let go of my dream. With the unwavering support of friends and the royal encouragement, the Bhutan Kidney Foundation emerged as a beacon of hope for hundreds of patients across the country. Eleven years have passed since its inception, yet our journey is far from over.
Like a tender shoot striving for sunlight, the foundation continues to grow, driven by my unyielding dream of making a meaningful difference in the lives of kidney patients. Today, as the founder of the Bhutan Kidney Foundation, I stand proud, knowing that we’ve touched the lives of more than a hundred individuals and provided them with a glimmer of hope in their darkest hours.
As we press onward, my dream remains unchanged—to see this foundation bloom into a force for good, bearing fruits of compassion, support, and healing for all those in need. I am Tashi Namgay, and I believe that with perseverance and passion, we can turn dreams into reality, one life at a time.
Today, people know me as Tashi Namgay Kidney. It’s a nickname that reminds me of my journey and the work I do to help others with kidney problems. It’s a title of honor that I wear proudly, knowing that I’ve made a positive impact in the lives of many people through the Bhutan Kidney Foundation.
The Bhutan Kidney Foundation (BKF) stands as a beacon of hope and support for kidney patients in Bhutan, reflecting the essence of compassion and solidarity ingrained in Bhutanese society. As a registered Civil Society Organization (CSO) and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) under The Civil Society Organizations Authority (CSOA), BKF epitomizes the power of community-driven initiatives in addressing pressing health concerns.
At its core, BKF operates with a profound commitment to enhancing the well-being of Bhutanese kidney patients. Despite facing financial constraints, the foundation admirably channels its resources towards public education and awareness on kidney-related diseases, thus playing a pivotal role in preventive healthcare efforts across the country. This proactive approach not only empowers individuals to make informed choices regarding their health but also contributes to the broader goal of reducing the burden of kidney diseases on Bhutan’s healthcare system.
Furthermore, BKF’s vision to extend financial support to kidney patients in need of transplants underscores its dedication to ensuring equitable access to life-saving treatments. While the Bhutanese government generously covers medical costs and living expenses for kidney transplants, the foundation recognizes that financial barriers may still exist for some patients. By stepping in to provide assistance, BKF demonstrates a profound commitment to leaving no one behind in the journey towards better health outcomes.
Moreover, BKF’s willingness to broaden its scope of support to include other organ-related patients highlights its adaptive and inclusive approach to healthcare advocacy. In a country where specialized organizations for different health concerns may be limited, BKF’s multi-faceted support fills a crucial gap, ensuring that individuals facing various organ-related challenges receive the care and assistance they deserve.
In essence, the Bhutan Kidney Foundation serves as a shining example of grassroots activism and community solidarity in the realm of healthcare. By prioritizing education, awareness, and financial support, BKF not only transforms the lives of individual patients but also fosters a culture of health-consciousness and compassion within Bhutanese society.
As the foundation continues to evolve and expand its reach, its invaluable contributions to the well-being of Bhutanese citizens will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the nation’s healthcare landscape.
By Kinley Yonten
