What is healthcare in Nepal like?

Facilities and Health Information

Medical care in Nepal is extremely limited and is generally not up to Western standards. Typical travel medical complaints can be addressed by the clinics in Kathmandu and some surgeries can be performed in the capital. However, serious illnesses often require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility (New Delhi, Singapore, or Bangkok). Illnesses and injuries suffered while hiking in remote areas often require evacuation by helicopter to Kathmandu. Those trekking in remote areas of Nepal should factor the high cost of a potential helicopter rescue into their financial considerations. Travelers are recommended to purchase medical evacuation insurance as medical evacuations can cost thousands of dollars and payment will be expected in cash before the medevac can take place if there is no insurance coverage. There is minimal mental health care available in Nepal. U.S. citizens with mental health problems are generally stabilized and transported to the United States or to another regional center for care. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu maintains a list of local medical facilities.

Stray dogs are common on the streets of Kathmandu. Visitors should be aware that stray dogs and monkeys may be infected with rabies. Any animal bites should be carefully handled and immediately brought to a medical practitioner’s attention.

Medical facilities are often overwhelmed due to insufficient resources. Emergency medical services are of poor quality compared to that available in the United States. Food hygiene and sanitary food handling practices are uncommon in Nepal and precautions should be taken to prevent water and food-borne illnesses.

Drinking Water Source - % of rural population improved

87.6%

Drinking Water Source - % of total population unimproved

11.9%

Drinking Water Source - % of urban population improved

90.3%

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.4%

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

4.7

People Living with HIV/AIDS

64,000

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

21

Sanitation Facility Access - % of total population unimproved

63.3%

Sanitation Facility Access - % of urban population improved

51.2%

Sanitation Facility Access - % of rural population improved

33.7%

Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

high

Food or Waterborne Disease (s)

bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever

Vectorborne Disease (s)

Japanese encephalitis, malaria, and dengue fever

Disability Access In Nepal

Accessibility

While in Nepal, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. Nepali law prohibits discrimination against persons who have physical and mental disabilities, including discrimination in employment, education, access to health care, and in the provision of other state services. The law mandates access to buildings, transportation, employment, education, and other state services, but these provisions generally are not enforced. In fact, Nepal’s poor infrastructure makes it impracticable in many cases for a mobility-impaired traveler to move around the country, both within the Kathmandu Valley and elsewhere. The government does not implement effectively or enforce laws regarding persons with disabilities. Except for a few clinics and hospitals, Nepal is severely lacking in accessibility and appropriate accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Disclaimer

You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.

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