Lukla, November 7
Himalayan Sherpa Foundation has initiated operation of a 15-bed hospital in Phakding of Mt Everest region in a bid to provide health facilities to local residents and tourists.
President Bidhya Devi Bhandari formally inaugurated Himalayan Sherpa Hospital on Sunday while the event was attended by foreign donors, local representatives, political leaders and local residents.
More than 10,000 locals residing in the region will be directly benefited from the hospital from where visiting tourists will also get instant and affordable treatment.
Inaugurating the hospital, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari thanked the foundation and German donors for their efforts to set up the hospital in Phakding.
Phakding has a high density of people as this area and route falls on the main trail to the Everest region. Trekkers generally spend their first night in Phakding as it helps in the acclimatization process. Phakding consists of sub-villages like TokTok, Jamphute, Nombuwa-Teng, Rimijung, Gumela, Chermading, Ghat, Lhowa, Sengma, Benkar, Monjo, Chumo and Jorsalle. The nearest hospital from here is either Pasang Lhamu Nicki Nicole Hospital in Lukla or Hillary Hospital in Khunde, both which take a minimum 3 hours of walk to reach. Just to get a basic treatment or medication is difficult in this area.
"After examining the harsh conditions and the difficulties in getting a basic treatment in Phakding, Himalayan Sherpa Foundation has taken the initiative in establishing a well-equipped hospital here," Foundation Chairman Phurba Gyalzen Sherpa shared.
The hospital provides X-ray and ultrasound facilities with maternity care and mountain medicine services. "It is in the process of installing ventilators and oxygen plant, Sherpa said, adding that it was possible with support from German social workers, including Dr Matthias Baumann and Michael Hoschele among others. The hospital, which was built at Rs 200 million, has now a medical doctor, two nurses, lab technician and health assistant.
According to Sherpa, the hospital is now providing free services and HSF, in coordination with local stakeholders, will decide about a minimal fee that can be charged in the coming days.
Member of the National Assembly Sonam Gyalzen Sherpa expressed his happiness over the operation of a new hospital in the district. "The hospital management should provide health education to the locals in order to help prevent them from becoming sick," he added.
Chairman of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Mingma Chhiri Sherpa said that the local government had accorded high priority to the health sector. "We will support Himalayan Sherpa Hospital to improve its services and also for its sustainability," he added.
According to Dr Paasang Sherpa, medical officer at the hospital, it has been receiving good numbers of patients. "We offer OPD and emergency services," he said, adding that hospital has its own pharmacy.
