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The Hospital at Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is the economical capital of the Khumbu valley, the home region of the Sherpa people. Thousands of tourists pass through here every year on their way to Everest base camp. Namche plays an important and central role in the region, however until recently there was no major health centre present. If the locals, porters or tourists were confronted with illness they had to walk or be carried for more than two hours to reach the nearest hospital situated in Kunde.
5 years ago, a group of active citizens realised this situation had to be changed for the better. They started to dream about their own hospital and they were motivated to complete this ambitious project! Ideas were translated into plans and plans turned into reality! With the help of the government they gathered the neccesary funds to start the construction of the Namche hospital on top of the Namche Hill. In the beginning of 2012 the hospital finally opened its doors.
We visited the hospital recently. As we entered the building, the relevance of this project was shown to us by the crowded waiting room. Although the local medical officer, Dr Yemgji Sherpa, was busy treating patients, she found the time to show us around. The clinic consists of an emergency bay, outpatient departement, laboratory, radiology facilities and a pharmacy. The staff consist of a medical officer, two medical assistants, a nurse, a lab assistant, an administrative aid and a cleaner.
Everyday this dedicated team takes care of around 25 people. The workload ranges from ordinary gastrointestinal and chest infections to acute mountain sickness and appendicitis! But the ambition from this team is high. Currently they are building a maternity ward next to the clinic and there are plans to construct staff accommodation so 24/7 care can be offered.
When we asked the locals about their opinion of this new clinic, they were unanimous about the positive effect this will have on their community. The proximity of this health centre is a major advantage compared with the past situation. The two hour walk to the hospital was resource and energy expensive. They hope the current facilities will expand and further reduce the need for referral to Kunde or Kathmandu.
Although there are numerous benifits from this project, the future is not certain. The government financed the construction of the clinic, however it is the locals' responsibility to maintain the upkeep of the clinic. The bill is offset by charging those who can afford it, mainly the wealthier locals and tourists. Porters who work in the Khumbu valley and poor inhabitants don't have to pay for the medical treatment they receive. In the long term, reliable financial resources will have to be found to 'cure' the financial situation of this clinic, quoting Dr Yemgji.
Thanks to the effort from a group of devoted locals and the motivated staff, the clinic of Namche Bazaar is undergoing a major transformation. It is not only the people who reach the top of Mt Everest who deserve our admiration!
Willem Anseeuw - Namche Laboratory Investigator
Created 25th Apr 2013 |
Namche Clinic
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Comments on this article
| By: Yangji Sherpa | When: 27th Apr 2013 10:14 | Glad to read news written about Namche hospital. I found it is an interesting story which you have written down. We are very thankful for your effort on writing the story.And we are looking forward.
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| By: Yangji Sherpa | When: 27th Apr 2013 10:11 | Glad to read news written about Namche hospital. I found it is an interesting story which you have written down. We are very thankful for your effort on writing the story.And we are looking forward.
|
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