The absence of consistent air services in Humla District has led to a distressing situation where patients requiring immediate medical attention outside the district have been unable to access well-equipped hospitals in a timely manner, resulting in the tragic loss of four children’s lives within the span of a month.
Grief-stricken families have pointed out that the lives of these children could not be saved due to the inability to transport them to higher-level medical facilities promptly, a consequence of the disruptions in air services affecting the region.
The disruption in air services in Humla stems from a new regulation set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, which restricts flights in Himalayan districts after 12:30 PM. The implementation of this rule coincides with unfavorable weather conditions often experienced in Humla during the morning hours. Consequently, individuals, including patients requiring urgent medical care, have encountered exacerbated difficulties when seeking transportation out of the district.
Among the heartbreaking cases, six-month-old Imran Sunar, the son of Suraj Sunar from Simkot Rural Municipality-6, tragically lost his life. Despite being referred to the district hospital on August 3 due to pneumonia and complications, Imran passed away on August 11 as timely access to a higher-level medical facility became unfeasible following the suspension of air services.
Similarly, six-month-old Rohit, son of Lalkala Shahi from Gwalekhor, Simkot Rural Municipality-7, succumbed to his illness on August 9 after being admitted to the district hospital on August 3. Rohit was referred to an external medical facility outside the district, further highlighting the challenges posed by disrupted air services.
A similar narrative emerges in the case of 17-month-old Aryan Pariyar from Kharpunath Rural Municipality-1, who passed away on July 23 after being referred to an external medical facility for treatment. Additionally, a five-year-old boy named Sandesh Luwar from Chankheli Rural Municipality-4 also succumbed to his condition due to inadequate treatment options.
Sarita Bohra, the Acting Office Head of the District Hospital, underscored that these heartbreaking fatalities were primarily attributed to the scarcity of resources within the district hospital and the inability to secure timely air transportation.
Srinath Paudel, the Chief District Officer of Humla, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the district’s unique challenge of being isolated without a proper road network. He emphasized ongoing efforts to reinstate consistent air services and acknowledged the assurances made by authorities to modify flight schedules accordingly. However, the implementation of these assurances has yet to materialize.