In numerous remote villages across Nepal, accessing medical care remains a significant challenge. Ambulance services have yet to reach many of these areas, forcing residents to rely on makeshift transportation methods such as stretchers and tractors to reach the nearest health facilities. Tragically, the lack of timely access to medical treatment has resulted in the loss of many lives. Without proper ambulances, patients endure arduous journeys, with some succumbing to their ailments en route to hospitals.
Moreover, the existing vehicles functioning as ambulances are often privately owned cars ill-equipped for medical emergencies and lacking essential communication equipment. Despite the presence of 168 ambulances operated by the Nepal Red Cross Society, none of them have trained paramedics, and only a fraction of the ambulance drivers have received first aid training, posing additional challenges in providing adequate emergency care.
A study conducted by Patan Hospital revealed that less than 10 percent of individuals seeking emergency treatment in the Kathmandu Valley arrive at medical facilities via registered ambulances, with over half arriving by taxis. Moreover, many patients transported by police, army vehicles, taxis, or buses sustain secondary injuries due to the lack of appropriate medical transportation. Despite being home to nearly two million residents, Kathmandu boasts only 21 officially registered ambulances, most of which are owned by NGOs and community-based organizations. Additionally, numerous hill and mountain districts lack any registered ambulances altogether.
Recognizing the dire circumstances surrounding emergency medical services in Nepal, the Nepal Health Trust (NHT) is committed to deploying advanced ambulances (EMS) equipped with high-level care capabilities across the nation as required. Please consider joining us in this noble cause. Your generosity can help transform the lives of countless individuals and communities in need. Together, let’s build a healthier and more resilient Nepal for all.