About ASK Foundation
ASK Foundation is a not-for-profit organization registered under Company Act 2063 in Nepal. It has been providing telemedicine services in rural parts of Nepal for over a decade. The organization’s major objective is to support the underprivileged population by offering telemedicine services. ASK Foundation started general telemedicine services, initially as HTP Telehealth Innovation Foundation, and later registered as Ask Foundation in 2016. The organization collaborates with local experts and organizations to create culturally relevant educational materials and uses interactive and technology-driven initiatives to engage and empower the community. ASK Foundation is seeking support to continue funding telemedicine services and a medical hotline project to provide early access to medical care and reduce the number of patients needing hospitalization. Additionally, the organization aims to share its activities, promote campaigns, connect with the audience through social media, and share educational resources.
As part of its broader mission to drive sustainable development and innovation, ASK Foundation is also building a robust startup ecosystem in Nepal. The organization works to connect the national entrepreneurial ecosystem with global networks, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, partnerships, investment, and innovation. Through incubation programs, mentorship initiatives, entrepreneurial capacity-building, and seed funding support, ASK Foundation empowers startups and young innovators to develop scalable solutions that address local and global challenges. By strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation, the foundation contributes to job creation, economic growth, and social impact across Nepal.
Our Mission
ASK Foundation’s mission is to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to underprivileged populations in rural Nepal while empowering communities through telemedicine, educational initiatives, and technology-driven solutions. We are committed to reducing healthcare disparities and ensuring early access to quality medical care, ultimately improving the overall health and well-being of the communities we serve.
In addition, we strive to empower startups, youth, women, and marginalized communities through skill development, entrepreneurship, and innovation programs. By providing incubation, mentorship, capacity-building opportunities, and connections to investors, industry experts, and strategic partners, we foster sustainable livelihoods, inclusive economic growth, and resilient communities capable of driving lasting social and economic impact.
Our Team
Dr. Navindra Raj Bista
President
MD Neuroanesthesiologist and Intensivist (Fellowship from University of Toronto, Canada)
Assistant Professor, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, IOM Nepal
Dr. Prabhat Adhikari
Founder/BOD Member
Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Critical Care Medicine (American Board Certified)
Founder and CEO, CAMS Leading a Contract Research Organization (CRO) named “Nepgen"
Mr. Tanka Dahal
BOD/Secretary
Tanka Prasad Dahal is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in international marketing, office administration, and higher education. He holds an MSc in International Project Management and an MBA in HR from the UK, along with a Master’s degree in Sociology from Nepal. Currently serving as an Adjunct Faculty at Malpi International College and Apex College, he brings strong academic and practical insights into the classroom.
Er. Amrit Bista
CEO
Amrit Bista is a development professional, entrepreneur, and academic leader with a strong commitment to entrepreneurship, policy dialogue, and inclusive economic growth in Nepal. He is actively involved in teaching, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and contributing to institutional development through leadership and advisory roles. With experience spanning academia, industry associations, and social initiatives, Amrit works at the intersection of education, enterprise development, and community impact, advocating for innovation-driven and sustainable development.
Anjana Thapa
BOD Member/Research and Program Officer
Research Enthusiast
Bachelor of Public Health (BPH)
Mr Yogesh Jha
BOD
Yogesh Kumar Jha is a multidisciplinary professional with expertise in biotechnology, clinical research, business development, project management, renewable energy, and social innovation. He holds a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from Bangalore University, India. He is also pursuing an Executive MBA through Quantic.
Throughout his career, Yogesh has worked in clinical research, pharmaceutical quality assurance, healthcare, and renewable energy, leading grant proposals, managing development projects, supporting clinical trials, and building partnerships with national and international organizations.
Passionate about sustainable development and community empowerment, he has actively supported educational initiatives, including scholarships for underprivileged students and digital learning programs in rural communities. His vision is to leverage science, innovation, and strategic leadership to improve education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic development across Nepal.
Dr. Yagya Prasad Timalsina
BOD/Medical Coordinator
Medical Coordinator at ASK Foundation Nepal, Chief Operating Officer(COO) at Danphe Care
Chief executive officer(CEO) at NepalPlanet Planet Bhaktapur Hotel & La Bella Nepali Restaurant
Former medical officer at Kathmandu Medical College And Teaching Hospital
Asst. Prof. Kabin Maleku
BOD/Executive Director
Master’s degree in Pharmaceutics, BITS Pilani
Director of Operations, Novala Biotech
Project Coordinator, Raskot Community Hospital
Former Chief Operation Officer, Danphe care
Raskot Community Hospital, Board Member and Project Committee member
Dr Archana Shrestha
Our Advisors
Bishnu Bhandari
FCA, Chartered Accountant
Adv. Dr Narayan Ghimire
Dr. Narayan Ghimire is a Senior Advocate of Nepal and has long experiences of law practice and advisor in legal and constitutional matters. He has drafted, and reviewed various laws of federal, provincial and local level of Nepal. He also holds Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD/Ph. D) andLL.M. (Hon’s) from USA is also a strong advocate of Rule of Law and Good Governance and reformation of current constitution.
Dr Prakash Kandel
Dr. Kandel is an American Board Certified Physician in Internal Medicine. He successfully completed his Internal Medicine residency at Griffin Hospital, an institution affiliated with the Yale School of Medicine. With a notable track record, Dr. Kandel has demonstrated leadership in various healthcare environments, spanning from Africa to America.
Dr. Binod Dhungana
MD, MBA, CHCQM Medical Director of Utilization Management/ Care Management at PeaceHealth
Dr. Mangal Rawal
MD, MPA
Vice Chancellor at Karnali Academy of Health Sciences Jumla Nepal
Muni Shakya
Muni shakya
Swikrity U Baskota
MD, Assistant Professor UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA
Ram P. Dhungana
Founder, CEO of imark Private Limited Co-founder, Danphe
Ankit Timalsena
Global Executive Team
Anup KC
Anup Khattri Chettri is a German-educated chemical engineer, institution builder, and civic leader dedicated to advancing Nepal’s scientific, intellectual, and democratic development. With over two decades of experience in Germany and Nepal, he previously worked as a Senior Project Engineer at Evonik Industries and a Research Engineer at GEA Energietechnik. After returning to Nepal, he founded the Gayatri Interdisciplinary Research Institute to promote scientific research, global collaboration, and mentorship for Nepali scholars.
He has contributed to national institutional development as a Diaspora Expert with GIZ Nepal, supporting the establishment of the Nepal Hydropower Academy, and currently advises organizations such as Mauri Ventures and the Wool Development Association of Nepal on strategic development. Beyond research and policy, he fosters civic dialogue through initiatives like Kathmandu Philosophy Club and Kathmandu Meditates, and supports rural education through Shantipath Trust. He also mentors youth through his 4D Life Optimization framework and is an internationally released electronic music producer under the name Think City.
Bishal Neupane
Experienced Tax and Accounting Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. Skilled in Tax Preparation, Internal Audit, Microsoft Excel, External Audit, and Accounting. Strong operations professional with a Master of Business Studies focused in Accounting and Finance and a semiqualified Chartered Accountant.
Our Volunteers
Dr. Subodh Chapagain
House Officer (Medical Officer) / Researcher
Working as a dedicated researcher and volunteer at Ask Foundation Nepal, I support community-based projects through data-driven insights and grassroots engagement.
Dr. Prastuti Panta
Medical Officer / Researcher
Where science meets compassion, I combine research and telemedicine to provide care that respects each elderly patient’s unique story and needs.
Dr. Bikash Simkhada
Medical officer (House officer) / Researcher
I am actively involved in telemedicine and research-driven initiatives with ASK Foundation, supporting healthcare access in rural Nepal. I am focused in improving elderly care and community well-being through technology and innovation.
Dr. Sushant Guragain
Medical Officer (House Officer) / Researcher
I provide telemedicine consultations and conduct research at ASK Foundation, driven to expand healthcare access and bridge gaps through digital solutions.
Transforming care, one click at a time.
Dr. Pratigya Shrestha
Medical Officer (House Officer) / Researcher
I am a committed medical professional, blending my clinical experience with my deep interest in community based research.
At ASK foundation, I look forward to exploring ways to improve the healthcare system, prioritising aged-care and mental healthcare, through evidence based data.
Dr. Arati Bartaula
Medical Officer (House Officer) / Researcher
I strive to deliver essential healthcare to rural Nepal through telemedicine. At Ask Foundation, I’m passionate about improving care for older adults and driving research that makes healthcare more accessible and impactful for everyone.
Alina Shrestha
Nutritionist
Nutritionist| Aspiring Public Health Enthusiast| WASH Advocate|