Upper Dolpa medical emergencies are marred by high costs and delays

People in the isolated mountain region are forced to rely on costly helicopter evacuations that require special permissions and are often delayed by red tape.

Dawaphuti Gurung, aged 59 of ward 3 of Dolpobuddha Rural Municipality in Dolpa fell critically ill last week following heart-related complications. She had been suffering from heart ailments for some time. After her condition suddenly worsened, local health workers advised that she be taken to a well-facilitated hospital outside the district for emergency treatment.