A journey of care, rooted in the Himalayas

Our Story

Our story began in 1999, with free consultations and medicines offered through roadside OPDs and small shops in Kasardevi, Almora. For families in remote mountain villages, distance and cost often made medical care difficult to access. These early efforts brought practical help closer to home.

Over the years, that work grew into Uttarayana Faith Foundation, bringing together healthcare, education and community support, with the continued support of National Heart Institute, New Delhi.

From outreach to organised care

Between 2004 and 2008, medical camps organised with the Government of Uttarakhand at Base Hospital, Almora, helped more people access consultations and specialist advice. In 2009, a landmark open-heart surgery at Deenapani, Almora, marked a significant moment for advanced cardiac care in the hills.

Camps, health awareness sessions and school health programmes continued. In 2013, these efforts found a formal home with the registration of Uttarayana Faith Foundation under the leadership of Dr. O. P. Yadava.

Building healthcare closer to home

In 2016, the partnership between National Heart Institute and the Government of Uttarakhand strengthened dedicated cardiac services at Base Hospital, Almora. The programme served more than 20,000 patients during its operation.

The opening of Uttarayana Hospital in Papersahily, Almora, in 2017 created a permanent base for consultations, treatment and community health services.

A year later, Health on Wheels extended this care further. Launched in 2018, the Basic Cardiac Life Support Mobile Clinic expanded its outreach to 100 remote villages, supporting medical assessment, early diagnosis and timely referrals.

Supporting people beyond healthcare

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, our work extended to financial assistance and relief for vulnerable families. In 2021, we launched Nai-Umang for girls from Balika Sadan, Almora. The programme has supported 42 girls through education, skills development and preparation for independent living. It reflects our commitment to helping young women build opportunities for their future.

The work continues

Through 2024–2026, our teams and partners continued high-altitude medical outreach, specialist OPDs, mobile healthcare and school health programmes across Himalayan communities.

Our purpose remains close to where we began: making healthcare more accessible, supporting families through difficult circumstances and helping young people move towards greater independence.

Reported cumulative reach

5 Lakhs+ lives reached | 1,000+ villages | 100+ free open-heart surgeries | 42 -Girls Empowered

Advisor Clinical

Dr. O. P. Yadava

Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, Vice Chancellor of Swami Rama Himalayan University, formerly led UCOST, Government of Uttarakhand. A Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India.

He brings decades of experience in research and education to Uttarayana Foundation’s work in healthcare, learning and community development across Uttarakhand.

Dr. Yadava is CEO and Chief Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at NHI, New Delhi, and Director of the All India Heart Foundation. With over 20,000 open-heart surgeries performed during his career, he brings decades of expertise and a deep commitment to service.

For decades, he has brought that expertise back to the hills he grew up in, guiding Uttarayana’s mission to ensure that distance and financial hardship do not stand between families and life-saving care.

Dr. Rajendra Dobhal

Dr. Usha Yadava

Dr. Vinod Sharma

Leadership

Guiding Uttarayana’s Eye Care Mission

Former Director Professor of Ophthalmology at Guru Nanak Eye Hospital, New Delhi, Dr. Usha Yadava brings extensive clinical and academic experience to Uttarayana Foundation. She leads the Foundation’s free eye care services, helping underserved communities across Uttarakhand access specialist consultations and essential care to protect their vision.

Leading Heart Care at Uttarayana

Dr. Vinod Sharma, Vice President of Uttarayana Foundation and a Head of cardiology Services at National Heart Institute, New Delhi, leads the Foundation’s heart care services. Working with NHI, he helps people in Almora, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar and Champawat access specialist heart consultations and care closer to home.

Our Team

Mr. Mahipal Pilkhwal

General Secretary

A hands-on leader and grassroots implementer, he turns vision into action and action into lasting change. He unites people, expertise and resources to bring healthcare, education and opportunity within reach of underserved Himalayan communities.

Mr. Vipin Aggarwal

Advisior - Legal & Taxation

Supporting Responsible Governance

Vipin Aggarwal brings his experience in finance, taxation and compliance to Uttarayana Foundation. His guidance supports responsible financial management and transparent governance, helping the Foundation carry forward its work in healthcare, education and community service.

Legal and Taxation

Media and Public Relations

Mr. Rama Shankar Nainwal

Legal Advisor, Uttarayana Foundation

A native of Uttarakhand, Mr. Rama Shankar Nainwal advises Uttarayana Foundation on legal matters, society registration, renewals and related compliance requirements. His guidance and advocacy support sound governance, helping the Foundation carry forward its community service with accountability.

Supporting Education and Opportunity

A law graduate of the National Law School and a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, Prof. Raag Yadava brings academic and education policy experience to Uttarayana Foundation. He helps guide the Foundation’s Nai-Umang initiative, supporting girls from underserved communities to continue their education, build confidence and work towards independent futures.

Prof. Raag Yadava

Media & Community Outreach

An Almora-based media professional who runs an independent news agency, Pramod Joshi supports Uttarayana Foundation’s media outreach and community engagement. His close connection with local communities helps bring wider attention to the Foundation’s healthcare, education and social initiatives, strengthening awareness and public participation.