Government approves standard for management of high-altitude mountain sickness

Kathmandu: The Ministry of Health and Food Safety has approved the Standard Related to Management of High-altitude Mountain Sickness, 2083, to make the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and management of altitude-related illnesses more systematic and effective.

The standard aims to ensure the timely identification and appropriate treatment of high-altitude sickness among tourists, trekkers, mountaineers and local residents in mountainous regions.

It also provides guidelines for strengthening the treatment capacity of health institutions, particularly those located in high-hill and mountainous areas, ensuring the availability of essential medicines and medical equipment, and making emergency rescue and patient referral services more effective.

The standard warns that delays in diagnosing and treating high-altitude sickness can lead to serious complications, including high-altitude pulmonary edema and high-altitude cerebral edema, which can be life-threatening.

It prioritises preventive measures such as gradual ascent to higher elevations, allowing sufficient time for acclimatisation and maintaining adequate fluid intake.

A list of essential medicines and equipment required for the diagnosis, treatment and management of high-altitude sickness has also been incorporated into the standard.

The standard further outlines the responsibilities of the federal, provincial and local governments. The federal government will be responsible for formulating policies and guidelines, managing human resources and budgets, and monitoring implementation.

Similarly, provincial governments will support capacity development among health workers and facilitate the use of appropriate medical technologies.

Local governments will be responsible for ensuring access to health services, managing essential medicines and medical equipment, and strengthening patient referral systems.