A new Maryland Primary Care Clinic, offering extensive health services, is set to open in Baltimore, Maryland, on November 17. This facility is designed to meet the healthcare needs of the local Nepali community and those with limited English proficiency.
Jyoti KC, a healthcare worker involved with the clinic, announced that an official ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on November 17.
The clinic, operated by Nepali-speaking doctors and healthcare professionals, aims to address a critical gap in care for Nepali-speaking residents who often encounter language barriers in healthcare settings.
Although some interpretation services are available in hospitals and by phone, very few clinics or doctors’ offices in the United States provide direct services in the Nepali language.
According to a study by the Pew Research Center based on data from the 2017-2019 American Community Survey (IPUMS), almost half of the Nepali population in the United States faces challenges with English communication.
Only 51% of Nepalis aged 5 and older are proficient in English, leaving 49% who struggle with English proficiency in their daily lives. The study also reveals a notable gap between U.S.-born Nepalis and those who immigrated: while 85% of U.S.-born Nepalis speak English proficiently, that rate drops sharply to 48% among foreign-born Nepalis. Among Nepali adults specifically, English proficiency is even lower, at just 47%.
This language barrier often makes it difficult for Nepali immigrants to access healthcare, especially since some Nepali health-related terms do not translate well into English, leading to potential misunderstandings. Nepali-speaking health workers play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges and ensuring effective patient care.
The Maryland Primary Care Clinic invites everyone to attend the grand opening to tour the facility and meet the dedicated healthcare team, who are committed to providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services to the community.
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Deepak Pariyar
View More PostsJournalist Deepak Pariyar is the editor of Khasokhas, a publication amplifying the voices of the Nepali diaspora in the USA since 2012. A champion against discrimination, he has held leadership roles in journalist organizations.
