We began organizing "health expeditions" in 1996. Founder Ravi Singh, a native of Himachal Pradesh now living in the U.S., organized two trips that year. With the help of U.S.-based health care professionals, his desire was to bring care to those in need within his home state. Himalayan Health Exchange now covers four regions of the Himalayas and one on the west coast of India. On each trip, approximately 1,200 patients receive care.

A team of health care professionals and other volunteers sets up "health camps" in local schools, monasteries or clinics. Working side by side with local health care providers, we administer general medical and dental care, and provide free medicines to patients. Depending on the make up of the team and the needs of the patients, certain specialties may be utilized. Each time a team is formed, we learn of each members' skills (i.e. their specialties) and discuss with local health officials their needs to determine how to contribute the best possible care to the local patient population. We always maintain a professional respect for the local health care delivery system as well as any religious or cultural customs associated with illness and health.

Our health camps are not all work, however. Ample time is included for exploring the surrounding region. A typical camp day comprises six hours of clinical work. Depending on the group's wishes, we may tour or hike for the remainder of the day. We return for a relaxing evening to enjoy a meal and conversation before retiring for the night.