KATHMANDU, JUNE 6 Patient numbers have risen sharply at the provincial hospital in Jomsom as the summer tourism season gains momentum and local residents return to the district, putting additional pressure on the region's only hospital. According to Acting Medical Superintendent Dr. Samikshya Kandel, an increasing number of tourists, local residents and daily wage workers have been seeking treatment at the hospital in recent weeks. Cases of altitude sickness among visitors travelling to high-altitude areas, including Muktinath, have also contributed to the surge. The hospital, officially upgraded to 25 beds, continues to operate with infrastructure designed for only 15 beds. Although a new hospital building has been completed, it has yet to be handed over for operation, creating challenges in managing the growing patient load. Hospital officials said the rise in pilgrims visiting Muktinath has further increased demand for health services. Emergency services are currently being provided from wards due to space constraints. The hospital offers maternity and other essential healthcare services and has recorded 8,667 patients between mid-July and mid-May of the current fiscal year. The facility has a workforce of 42 personnel, including doctors, nurses and other health workers, while a separate health unit at Muktinath is staffed by three health assistants and a support worker.