High-Altitude Sickness Cases Rise at Muktinath Treatment Centre

Mustang, April 11: The number of patients suffering from high-altitude sickness and seeking treatment in Mustang has increased, with 684 devotees receiving healthcare services over the past nine months.

According to the Province Hospital in Jomsom, most of the patients were pilgrims visiting the Muktinath Temple who fell ill due to the high altitude while travelling to the shrine.

Medical Superintendent Dr Samiksha Kandel said the temple, located at an altitude of around 3,800 metres above sea level, has seen several visitors experience altitude-related health issues on the way.

The Mountaineering High-Altitude Treatment Centre, set up within the temple premises, has been providing treatment with the support and coordination of the Province Hospital and Baragung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality. The centre currently operates two units with a total of six beds.

Dr Kandel said that six people, including three Nepali nationals, have died due to high-altitude sickness in the current fiscal year.