The absence of an X-ray machine at the District Hospital in Humla is causing difficulties for patients. Hundreds of citizens have been deprived of this service at the hospital in the district headquarters, Simkot. People from far remote areas who visit the district hospital in Simkot for medical treatment are often forced to return home empty-handed as even basic medical care cannot be provided here.
Patients visiting the District Hospital have been forced to buy even basic medicines at high prices from private medical stores and pharmacies. Hirendra Bahadur Shahi,63 from Simkot Rural Municipality-4 complained that upon going to the district hospital for his back pain, he neither received proper medication nor was there an X-ray machine available. He was told that there is no X-ray machine and that he would have to go outside the district. Shahi expressed that it is unfortunate that a health institution like the district hospital does not have an X-ray machine.
Shahi, who is unable to walk due to severe back pain, had reached the District Administration Office in Humla on 1 December 2025 to inform Chief District Officer Tek Kumar Regmi about the issue. However, Chief District Officer Regmi suggested Shahi to seek treatment outside the district. Patients have expressed concerns that traveling outside Humla involves additional difficulties, including the cost of air tickets, accommodation, and food.
Dr. Umakant Tiwari, Chief of the Health Service Office in Humla, stated that the hospital is currently operating with an old, barely functional X-ray machine due to the lack of a proper one. He also mentioned that, besides the X-ray machine, there is a need for many other medical devices. Dr. Tiwari informed that the procurement process for a new X-ray machine is currently ongoing.