Ma Pani Doctor: A 10-Year-Old Book Still Guiding Nepal’s Frontline Health Workers

I had just finished my CMA course and was actively looking for a job when I came across a one-day training program for health workers. The focus was on heart disease—a topic that wasn’t really covered in depth during our studies. My teacher, who was helping organize the event, encouraged me to attend. At the time, I didn’t have much knowledge about non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and I wasn’t sure how the session would connect to my daily work. Still, I decided to go, hoping to learn something useful.

To my surprise, the session turned out to be incredibly engaging. Dr. Om Murti Anil, the speaker, spoke about heart disease, its rising prevalence, early warning signs, and risk factors. While we had heard of him before, this was the first time we saw him speak in person. Most of our prior training had focused on infectious diseases and maternal care, so this topic opened a new perspective.

The session gave us practical insights into NCDs—something we hadn’t paid much attention to before. Dr. Anil’s explanations made it clear how we, even as CMAs, could play a key role in identifying early symptoms and guiding community members before their conditions worsened. For many of us, it was the first time we realized we could help prevent these diseases, not just treat them.

At the end of the training, each participant received a free copy of the book Ma Pani Doctor, written by Dr. Anil himself. Holding that book felt different—it wasn’t just a gift; it was a sign of trust and a source of empowerment. It felt like someone believed that frontline health workers like us could truly make a difference.

The book, published in 2013 during the early phase of Dr. Anil’s career, didn’t focus on complex medical procedures. Instead, it centered on prevention and public awareness—something not commonly emphasized by specialists at the time. While prevention is typically seen as the responsibility of public health workers, Dr. Anil understood early on that with Nepal’s changing disease landscape, there was a growing need to reach people directly.

Ma Pani Doctor was officially launched on the eve of World Heart Day—September 28, 2013—at the President’s residence, Sheetal Niwas. It was inaugurated by then-President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, who even wrote the foreword. At the time, I was surprised that a sitting president would support a public health book so actively. Now, I realize just how ahead of its time that effort was. Today, over two-thirds of deaths in Nepal are caused by non-communicable diseases, confirming the urgency that was highlighted back then.

The book is written in simple Nepali and is easy to understand. It covers everything from diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits to key information about high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and early signs of heart attack and stroke. It also provides guidance on what to do during emergencies and how to manage long-term health issues. The title is well chosen—it truly helps readers take charge of their own health.

What impressed me most was the long-term vision behind the initiative. Over the years, Dr. Anil has distributed more than 5,000 free copies of Ma Pani Doctor to health workers, teachers, and local leaders across Nepal. The goal was simple yet powerful: to empower frontline workers to spread awareness and help reduce hospital visits by promoting prevention.

Nepal has around 5,000 health posts and primary health centers. Distributing one book per center was a thoughtful strategy—one that aimed to trigger a ripple effect. A well-informed health worker could then educate families and entire communities, creating a chain reaction of awareness and prevention.

This effort wasn’t about fame or personal gain. It was about impact—creating a resource that people could use, rely on, and pass forward. And it worked. I’ve seen Ma Pani Doctor used in training programs, awareness events, and even government-backed projects like the PEN (Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease) initiative. Its simplicity, accuracy, and relevance make it a practical tool in the field.

Of course, the book could benefit from updates. Some images don’t reflect Nepali realities, and there are minor spelling and formatting errors. Including more recent data and information would strengthen its relevance even more. A version tailored for school children and teenagers could also make it a great addition to school health programs.

Before ending, I want to express gratitude to my mentor, Abhay Kumar Singh. He not only encouraged me to attend that first session but also supported me in securing a government job and pursuing further studies. His guidance has shaped the careers of many health workers from modest backgrounds like mine.

Looking back, Ma Pani Doctor has been more than just a book. It has been a foundation for my work as a health worker. While serving in a rural health post in Dhanusha, I often face heart-related cases that are tough to handle. This book helps me guide patients and provide better care. Even after a decade, it continues to inspire and inform my daily work.

It’s proof that one person’s vision—rooted in service—can have a lasting impact.