Cancer Specialist Dr. Soniya Dulal Receives HVO Golden Apple Award

Nepal Health News, Kathmand:. Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) has presented this year’s 20th Annual HVO Golden Apple Award to Dr. Soniya Dulal, cancer specialist and associate professor at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS). This award, presented from Washington, D.C., on the occasion of World Health Day and World Health Worker Week, honors individuals who have made notable contributions to the education and professional development of healthcare workers in resource-limited countries.

The HVO Golden Apple Award has been presented since 2006. It is awarded to educators, advisors, and specialists in the health sector in recognition of their outstanding contributions. Through this award, HVO encourages its goal of delivering safe and skilled healthcare services to people around the world by strengthening the capabilities of health professionals.

Dr. Dulal began her career at the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) in Kathmandu, working in collaboration with HVO volunteers. After joining BPKIHS, Dharan, in 2020, she played a leading role in developing its cancer department. She leveraged the support of HVO volunteers to enhance the department's capabilities.

Due to initiatives by Dr. Dulal and her colleague Dr. Rajiv Sharma, services such as inpatient oncology, chemotherapy infusion day care unit, outpatient oncology services, and a cancer screening clinic have been established in Dharan. Dr. Dulal has also led cancer awareness and screening campaigns in communities with the help of her students. She assisted in forming student groups to conduct cancer screening and awareness programs. Additionally, Dr. Sonia developed cancer screening guidelines, chemotherapy orders, and best practice protocols.

HVO Executive Director April Pinner said, “Dr. Dulal’s dedication and passion for improving Nepal’s health system through medical education is inspiring. Her contributions have played a vital role in expanding quality healthcare services in underserved communities.”

Before her involvement at BPKIHS, there was no formal cancer treatment available for thousands living in Nepal’s remote eastern regions. Other internal medicine specialists did their best to care for cancer patients, but patients often had to travel long distances or forgo treatment altogether.

When the oncology training program at NAMS ended in 2023, Dr. Dulal immediately took initiative to launch a new DM (Doctorate of Medicine) Medical Oncology Program at BPKIHS. She organized curriculum development workshops with participation from experts in Nepal, India, Canada, and the United States.

Dr. Dulal currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at BPKIHS, Dharan, Nepal. She earned her Doctorate of Medicine (DM) in Medical Oncology from NAMS under Bir Hospital in Kathmandu, and is one of the first two oncologists to do so in Nepal—this was the country’s first medical oncology program.

After completing her studies, she decided to leave Kathmandu and return to Dharan to serve underprivileged communities. Today, she is actively involved in teaching, clinical services, and research at BPKIHS, one of Nepal’s most reputable academic institutions.

Since 1950, the World Health Organization and the international community have observed World Health Day every April 7. The main goal of this day is to focus on a relevant global health issue. This year’s theme is “Healthy Beginnings, Healthy Future.” The campaign calls on governments and the health community to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and prioritize women’s long-term health and well-being.

Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) is a nonprofit organization that aims to improve global health through education and skill development of local healthcare workers in resource-limited countries. HVO volunteers equip local professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to meet their community’s health needs.

HVO’s volunteers include trained health professionals—such as doctors, nurses, dentists, and physical therapists—who generously donate their time and expertise to collaborate with international colleagues.

Since 1986, HVO staff and volunteers have worked alongside various health institutions to design, develop, and implement HVO projects. HVO has worked globally in areas such as trauma care, maternal and child health, essential surgery, cancer care, and rehabilitation services.