SOLUKHUMBU, AUGUST 13
The much awaited health facility in a remote Solukhumbu village will be formally inaugurated in October, the management committee has announced.
Wongchhu Sherpa Memorial Primary Hospital, which was built with the support from US-based organizations and helping hands, will be opened on October 12, said Lakpa Sherpa, chairman at Himalayan Yokpu Foundation. "The grand opening ceremony will be held at Tapting of Solududhkunda Municipality-10," she said. The event will be conducted by Himalayan Yokpu Foundation and managed by Wongchhu Peak Promotion.
Wongchhu Sherpa Memorial Hospital was the dream project of Late Wongchhu Sherpa who passed away with an unfinished dream of making a hospital for his community. So, after his demise, his daughter Lakpa Sherpa along with Himalayan Yokpu Foundation took the lead to turn Wongchhu's dream into a reality.
This hospital project was supported by several donor organizations from overseas and Nepal, according to Sherpa. Wilderness Medical Society of Austin, Texas, Musa Masala, 7 Summit Foundation, Everest ER, Education Elevated, Rotary club of Bainbridge Island and Stanford University among others supported the hospital, she informed. "This hospital project has also received full support from Solududhkunda Municipality."
The 15-bed hospital will be turned out as a lifesaver one to the remote Solukhumbu folks, AC Sherpa, Chairman at 7 Summit Foundation, commented. The foundation also supported Rs 4 million to build a birthing centre at the hospital. Currently, the hospital is running under the public-private partnership with Solududhkunda Municipality.
High-level dignitaries including the US Ambassador are expected to attend the grand opening ceremony, Sherpa informed.
