Kathmandu - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical standards in Nepal have not caught up with the Western standards There is one hospital used by expats and tourists that is ok, but I wouldn't use it for anything more than basic medical tests. Medical evacuation is required for anything more complicated than, say, stitches. - Jun 2024
The quality of medical care is low, they offer a lot normal basic care, but the facilities don't look very clean. I think surgeries would require medical evacuation and maybe for more high quality care you could go to Dubai or Bangkok. I know that expat pregnant women leave and have their babies in their home country or Bangkok. - Aug 2022
Everything other than a cold or parasite requires a medevac. Med is ok for most normal things but don't expect them to do much of anything. People have curtailed because of this. Many, many people develop skin issues because of the poor quality of our water, which is annoying if you're an adult, and extremely concerning if you're a child. People also have hormonal problems and lung problems because of the terrible air pollution. - Aug 2019
Yes, many. Medical care is not the greatest although there are two clinics that cater to tourists and westerners. Any major health problems are better dealt with outside the country. Food poisoning and the Kathmanpoops happen to everyone, frequently. Bleaching fruit and veggies is recommended. Don't drink the water. Many people have challenges with the air quality and respiratory illnesses. - Aug 2015
Plenty of health concerns. Gastrointestinal issues are a major problem here. Most people are sick on a regular basis. Luckily, though, there is no dengue or malaria. Medical care is very limited. The medical unit was not equipped to deal with long-term health issues. - Jul 2014
Major health issue is the air. There is good medical care for routine issues but anything remotely serious requires a medevac to Bangkok or Singapore. - May 2014
You will get sick here. The air will give you an upper respiratory infection almost as soon as you get here, and the food will make you sick. It is only a matter of time. There is ok healthcare here but if you are seriously ill or injured, you will have to be medevaced to another country. - Apr 2014
Air quality is my biggest concern, and medical care is available. There is a western health clinic in town, but I think medevacs are fairly common here. Medical care is not readily available (if at all) outside the city. - Jun 2013
Medical care is not great. - May 2013
Medical care quality is very low -- there is only one decent Western client and they can only do out-patient care. A medevac is quite likely if you are really ill. - Jun 2011
The water is horrible, but Aqua Hundred is a good bottled water brand. Embassy folks get well water (yes!) trucked in and have a distiller as well, so no concerns at home. Kathmanpoo's can be dealt with via Pepto (if just passing bug) or Antibacterial (if prescribed) for anything more than a few days straight. - Sep 2010
You will become ill with something. It is inevitable. CWIC is about the only respectable clinic. We had several things done there and it was just fine. - Jan 2010
Hope and pray you don't have an emergency situation. You'll get medevac'ed for most issues. There is an expat health clinic and a dentist. - May 2008
