Annapurna Rural Municipality in Myagdi has prepared trained personnel to provide first aid to tourists suffering from altitude sickness, a common health issue caused by oxygen deficiency at high altitudes. Health workers and local business operators have received specialized training on primary treatment methods and home remedies to manage such conditions.

 

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The municipality, taking into account the health and safety of visitors, has allocated a dedicated budget for this purpose. “We have trained health professionals from wards 4 to 8, as well as hotel staff from popular trekking routes, on how to recognize and treat symptoms of altitude sickness,” said Samundra Baruwal, Head of the Health Branch of Annapurna Rural Municipality.

 

With technical support from the Provincial Health Training Center in Pokhara, previous training sessions were conducted in Chame, Manang, in collaboration with the Himalayan Rescue Association. On Monday, a group of 25 hotel operators from key trekking and tourist hubs—including Annapurna Base Camp, Maurice Herzog Trail, Khopara, Ghodepani, Punhill, Phulbari, and Mohare Danda—received hands-on training in Pokharebagar.

 

The training covered symptoms of altitude sickness, basic first aid, and preparation of home remedies. The municipality has allocated NPR 300,000 this fiscal year to procure medicines and supplies, provide informational materials for trekkers, and display public health messages at various tourist spots.

 

This initiative aims to enhance the safety of tourists visiting the rugged and remote Himalayan regions of Annapurna, ensuring timely care and raising awareness about altitude-related health risks.