MUSTANG: Jomsom Provincial Hospital, the only hospital in Mustang district, has been witnessing a steady rise in the number of patients in recent weeks, creating management challenges and increasing pressure on its limited facilities.
According to Dr. Samiksha Kandel, Acting Medical Superintendent of Jomsom Provincial Hospital, the number of patients has increased significantly with the onset of the summer season and the growing influx of tourists to Mustang.
“The favorable weather has attracted more visitors to Mustang, while many local residents who had moved to lower-altitude areas during winter have also returned. As a result, the number of patients seeking services has risen considerably,” Dr. Kandel said.
She added that some tourists have required medical attention for heat-related illnesses and other seasonal health problems. The hospital has also seen an increase in patients among local residents, travelers, and workers suffering from various summer-related health issues.
Although the hospital is designated as a 25-bed facility, it currently operates with only 15 beds. A newly constructed hospital building designed to accommodate 15 beds has yet to be officially handed over for operation.
While the provincial government has upgraded the hospital’s bed capacity on paper, services continue to be provided through the existing infrastructure, making it difficult to manage the growing patient load.
Hospital officials said the recent increase in the number of pilgrims visiting Muktinath and the growing flow of domestic and international tourists have further contributed to the rise in patient numbers.
The hospital has called for the timely operation of the new facility and additional resources to effectively manage the increasing demand for healthcare services in the district.
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