Minister's emergency airlift exposes Nepal's healthcare crisis

Federal Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal's emergency helicopter evacuation from Baitadi to Kathmandu for a viral respiratory infection has ignited criticism and exposed deep-seated issues within Nepal's healthcare system. Lamsal, who fell ill during an inspection, was airlifted by an army helicopter to Dhangadhi and then flown to Kathmandu, where he was treated and discharged.

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Ministers can obtain helicopters for minor illnesses while ordinary people cannot find transport when they are dying.

The incident prompted sharp rebukes from within Lamsal's own party. Lawmaker Paras Mani Gelal told Parliament that ministers can access helicopters for minor ailments, while ordinary citizens cannot secure transport even in life-threatening emergencies. "People are not going to be won over by ministers’ videos and publicity tours," Gelal stated, emphasizing the need for tangible government action to solve problems rather than mere visits.

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People are not going to be won over by ministers’ videos and publicity tours. They need to feel that the government is solving their problems, not simply visiting their homes.

The evacuation also cast a spotlight on the inadequacy of healthcare in Baitadi and the broader Sudurpaschim province. Despite improvements, basic healthcare remains a struggle for many. In remote areas like Kholikot in Bajura district, community health units face severe medicine shortages, rationing even basic paracetamol. Staff report having only about 50 types of medicines available, far below the government's requirement of 98 free medicines.

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If someone requires ten tablets, we can only give them five. It’s the exact same story every day.

Access to these facilities is further hampered by poor infrastructure. The Bajura District Health Office noted that four women gave birth on the road during Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August) due to the inability to reach health centers. One 22-year-old woman had to be carried on a stretcher for over three hours, giving birth en route, highlighting the extreme risks faced by pregnant women in areas lacking nearby medical facilities and transport.

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There is no nearby health facility. There is no vehicle to take patients there. Carrying someone on a stretcher is extremely risky.