Kathmandu: Nepali dermatologist Dr. Suchana Marahatta has been honored with the prestigious DermImpact Award 2025, earning a place among the world’s top five dermatologists.

She is the first Nepali doctor to receive the award, marking a significant milestone for Nepal’s healthcare sector.

Dr. Marahatta was recognized for her contributions beyond clinical dermatology, particularly for leading health education, sexual and reproductive health awareness and psychosocial support programs for adolescents in four government schools in Gorkha district.

The initiative involved a multidisciplinary team comprising dermatologists, psychologists and community health experts.

Under the DermImpact Award project, Dr. Marahatta has been spearheading programs aimed at improving adolescents’ understanding of sexual health, reproductive health, mental health and psychosocial well being in government schools across Gorkha.

The project began with a one day workshop held on June 28 2025, where a team of experts developed age appropriate educational materials designed to address the evolving needs of young people.

Subsequently, a Training of Trainers (ToT) program was conducted on September 18 and 19 in Gorkha headquarters. The training brought together teachers from seven schools, seven female community health volunteers and local stakeholders.

The program was attended by the mayor and deputy mayor of Gorkha Municipality, representatives of the Federation of Nepali Journalists and other local leaders and intellectuals.

In the next phase of the project, interactive awareness sessions on sexual health and psychosocial well being were organized for students studying in grades 9 to 12 at five schools in Gorkha.

The sessions, held from May 24 to 27, focused on informing adolescents about their rights, personal safety and where to seek help and support when facing health related concerns.

As part of the initiative, the Healthy Skin family also organized a free dermatology health camp for students, teachers and school staff. A total of 278 individuals benefited from the camp, which provided consultations, examinations and necessary medications.

According to Healthy Skin Clinic and Research Center, the DermImpact project aims to expand access to health education and healthcare services in remote mountainous communities of Gorkha district.

Organizers said the program has helped raise health awareness among adolescents while encouraging local communities to identify and seek timely treatment for skin diseases.

International Recognition for Nepali Healthcare

Dr. Marahatta’s contributions to community health and dermatological services have received growing international recognition.

Her selection among the world’s top five dermatologists and receipt of the DermImpact Award is being viewed as a historic achievement for Nepal’s healthcare sector.

Her efforts to integrate healthcare services, health education and social awareness have been widely praised, with her work and that of her team being regarded as an exemplary model on the international stage.

The recognition of a Nepali doctor at such a prestigious global level has become a source of pride and inspiration for the entire nation