Bridging the Health Inequality Gap

London. On 18 July 2026, Swasthya Chiya and the South East London Cancer Alliance (SELCA) held the third instalment of their 2026 collaboration to raise cancer screening awareness within the Nepali community of Greenwich.
This special edition went a step further in closing that gap, welcoming three specialists from the Nepalese Doctors Association: Dr Sudhip Lohani, a Respiratory Consultant; Dr Pradip Subedi, a Urology Consultant; and Mrs Sunita Thapa, a specialist TB nurse.

Together they brought expert, first-language advice on lung cancer, tuberculosis and urological cancers directly to the community most in need of it.

Why Greenwich, and why now ?

Around 6,000 Nepali people live in Greenwich — the largest Nepali population of any London borough. Nepali is the second most commonly spoken language in the borough after English, and in the central neighbourhood of Plumstead, Woolwich and Glyndon, one in three residents was born in Nepal.
As the health needs of the population grow more complex and the NHS becomes increasingly digital, access has become harder for those who do not speak English, who are not confident with health information or technology, or who rely on carers to help them reach their GP.
The consequence shows in the numbers: Nepali people, and South Asian communities more widely across South East London, take up cancer screening at lower rates than the rest of the population. For many, the barrier is not willingness to seek care — it is being met halfway. That is the gap Swasthya Chiya was created to bridge.

An idea that grew organically

Team Swasthya Chiya.

Swasthya Chiya was founded by Dr Numa Thebe, a Greenwich GP raised in the UK but firmly connected to her roots. What began as a shared ambition among friends grew into a group of Nepali healthcare professionals united by the same passion, hope and determination to change the course of health inequality in their community.
Alongside Dr Numa are Dr Priti Gurung, a Greenwich GP; Mrs Sobha Sharma Kandel, a Clinical Pharmacist; and Mrs Sophia Rai, a Paramedic Practitioner — each bringing their own expertise to empower the Nepali community towards better health.

Recognition — and bigger ambitions

The initiative is already earning recognition in its field. Swasthya Chiya has been nominated as one of the best working examples of an integrated neighbourhood team in South East London, and the model has been taken to NHS England.
Dr Numa’s hope is that it inspires healthcare professionals elsewhere to do the same — in places such as Aldershot, Folkestone and Ashford, home to other significant Nepali communities.
“The NHS 10 Year Plan includes bringing care from hospitals into the community, and shifting from treating sickness to prevention. We began that journey back in January 2026. I welcome the emphasis on community, and on the power of community leaders and the voluntary sector — without them, we wouldn’t be having the impact we’re seeing today.”- Dr Numa Thebe, Founder of Swasthya Chiya

Meet the Swasthya Angels

This instalment marked the first time the campaign welcomed a variety of younger volunteers — the Swasthya Angels. More than 20 came forward, all eager to raise awareness for the cause. Many are young adults inspired by the work and determined to help in any way they can, a sign of a movement putting down roots for the next generation.
Both the guest speakers and the volunteers received certificates of contribution in recognition and appreciation of their support.

A warm Reception

It was a highly engaging event, with plenty of questions put to the experts in their field. Early feedback said it all — “great event,” “wonderful to see all the volunteers,” and “keep it up.”
The day was also supported by local Nepali restaurant Kailash Momo, who provided a delicious light lunch — including chicken pakora and chilli paneer, aloo dum, churia, salad and achar — a fitting reminder that community health is nourished by community itself.

What’s next ?

Catch up with Swasthya Chiya at the next instalment in October/November, focusing on breast cancer and more.

Follow Swasthya Chiya on social media for health advice, tips and updates.

“The only way we can truly make a difference is to look at ourselves first — and be the change we want to see in our own community.”

(Dr Thebe is the  Founder and Lead of Swasthya Chiya)