Health ministry approves standard for managing high-altitude mountain sickness

Even though it is easy to trek to regions like Everest, foreigners prefer to take a guide to know more about the place. Photo: Shashwat Pant Kathmandu, November 6 The Ministry of Health and Food Safety has approved the Standard Related to Management of High-altitude Mountain Sickness, 2026, to make the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and management of altitude-related illnesses more systematic and effective.

The standard aims to ensure the timely identification and appropriate treatment of altitude sickness among tourists, trekkers, mountaineers and local residents in mountainous regions. It also provides guidelines for strengthening the treatment capacity of health institutions, particularly those in high-hill and mountain regions, ensuring the availability of essential medicines and equipment, and improving emergency rescue and referral systems.

If not diagnosed and treated promptly, high-altitude sickness can lead to serious complications, including pulmonary oedema and cerebral oedema, which can be life-threatening.