Kathmandu, August 21
The Himalayan Rescue Association is set to operate a health camp at Gosainkunda in northern Rasuwa during the Gosainkunda fair held on the occasion of Janai Purnima, with a focus on the health of pilgrims visiting the site.
The association announced at a press conference that a seven-member team, including five doctors, had departed for Gosainkunda to provide medical services to pilgrims. The team, led by Dr Shivani Rayamajhi, comprises Dr Tapendra Dhakal, Dr Avinash Kumar Shah, Dr Uday Pandey, Dr Prajwal Luintel, medical student Namrata Adhikari and support staff member Prakash Khatri.
At the press conference, association Chief Executive Officer Govinda Basya said the medical team had been sent to Gosainkunda for the convenience and safety of pilgrims. The team will provide health services from Ekadashi to Purnima.
Association Chairperson Dambar Parajuli said the organisation has been operating a health camp at Gosainkunda continuously since 1997 after pilgrims began experiencing altitude sickness due to the site’s elevation of 4,380 metres above sea level.
Although altitude sickness can be completely prevented, some people have lost their lives due to a lack of awareness, the association said. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea and vomiting, and pilgrims need to pay particular attention to these symptoms.
The association plans to distribute informational materials on altitude sickness this year to raise awareness among pilgrims. Last year, the association treated more than 500 patients.
—RSS
