As a board certified Emergency Physician and member of the Wilderness Medical Society www.wms.org the challenges of working in a remote environment were a natural fit. My journey began in 2001 when I came across the original BBC article about Mahabir Pun building his school and wireless network in Nangi and contacted HEF. In 2002 I became the HEF Medical Advisor and in 2007, the HEF Volunteer Coordinator.

I believe by providing people with basic health care and education you afford them a choice and control over their futures.

As the Medical Advisor I have a deep respect for the local culture and health infrastructure. My role is to facilitate the Health Plan as developed by Nangi Village Healthcare Workers (HCW) by raising funds for clinic improvements, composting toilets, clean water projects, Telemedicine projects and continuing medical education for rural HCW.

As the Volunteer Coordinator I help volunteers develop a project proposal based on their interests, experience, skills and the community’s needs to make their experience in Nangi meaningful.

As an author I promote the work of Mahabir Pun by writing a blog book about his life: www.wirelessprophet.com

You can reach Debra at debra@himanchal.org