Government approves standard for managing altitude sickness
The Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene has approved a standard for preventing and treating altitude sickness in high-hill and Himalayan areas, including equipment that health facilities there must keep.
The Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene has approved a standard for managing altitude sickness in Nepal's high-hill and Himalayan regions. The Standard Related to the Management of Altitude Sickness in High-Hill and Himalayan Regions, 2083 (BS), was issued under the authority of Section 64 of the Public Health Service Act, 2075, and is meant to make the prevention, identification and treatment of the illness more systematic.
Nagarik News, Onlinekhabar and Ratopati reported that the standard aims to ensure that altitude sickness among tourists, trekkers, mountaineers and local residents is identified and treated in time. According to experts cited by Ratopati, the illness can set in at 2,500 metres above sea level or higher, where lower atmospheric pressure reduces the oxygen available to the body and the body cannot adapt. If it is not identified and treated promptly, the reports say, it can lead to fluid in the lungs and swelling of the brain (pulmonary and cerebral oedema), which can be life-threatening.
Strengthening medical response
According to the reports, the standard requires health institutions in high-hill and Himalayan areas to keep oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, pulse oximeters, hyperbaric chambers (Gamow bags), emergency treatment equipment and essential medicines. It also includes a list of the medicines and equipment needed to identify, treat and manage altitude sickness.
On prevention, the standard prioritises ascending gradually, allowing enough time for acclimatisation, drinking plenty of fluids and not going higher once symptoms appear. For patients who develop the illness, it provides for descent to a lower altitude as needed, the use of oxygen and pressure bags, and treatment according to the person's condition.
Division of responsibilities
The standard assigns roles to all three tiers of government. The federal government is responsible for policy, standards, human resources, budget and monitoring. Provincial governments are to develop the capacity of health workers and give technical support. Local governments are to ensure access to health services, manage essential medicines and supplies, and keep the patient referral system running.
Ratopati and Onlinekhabar both describe the standard as a guide for systematising emergency rescue and referral in these regions. According to Nagarik News, it takes effect from the date the ministry approved it.