Kathmandu, November 6
The Ministry of Health and Food Safety has approved the Standard Related to Management of High-altitude Mountain Sickness, 2026, 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 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 in high-hill and mountain regions, ensuring the availability of essential medicines and equipment, and improving emergency rescue and referral systems.
If not diagnosed and treated promptly, high-altitude sickness can lead to serious complications, including pulmonary oedema and cerebral oedema, which can be life-threatening.
The standard prioritises preventive measures such as ascending gradually, allowing sufficient time for acclimatisation and maintaining adequate fluid intake.
It also includes a list of medicines and equipment required for the identification, treatment and management of altitude sickness.
The document outlines the responsibilities of the federal, provincial and local governments. The federal government will be responsible for policy, guidelines, human resources, budget allocation and monitoring.
Provincial governments will support the capacity development of health workers and the provision of technology, while local governments will ensure access to health services, manage essential medicines and equipment, and maintain patient referral systems.
