GTA proposes primary health centre in Sandakphu amid tourist safety concerns
Times of India | 13 December 2024
123 Tumling: The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has submitted a proposal to the state govt to establish a primary health centre in Sandakphu, This is in response to the long-standing demand for a proper healthcare centre in the region for locals and tourists alike.
The proposal comes against the backdrop of a young girl from Dum Dum dying of unclear reasons while she was staying at a homestay in Tumling. She was found unconscious and bleeding from her nose by her friends, and it was only after four hours that she received first treatment at a health centre 26 km away in Sukhiapokhri. She died two hours later while on her way to another hospital. This is the third such death this year in Sandakphu, bringing the focus back on the lack of basic medical infrastructure in this heavy tourist zone on the Indo-Nepal border.
"We submitted a proposal to the state govt, requesting land for the establishment of a primary health centre in Sandakphu. The health department will also provide first-aid training to all homestay owners in the area within this month, aiming to equip locals with basic medical knowledge to address emergencies and provide immediate assistance to visitors in need," said Rajesh Chauhan, deputy chairman of GTA and health in charge of the Darjeeling subdivision.
Chauhan added they also prepared a proposal for producing a mandatory fitness certificate for visiting Sandakphu and Phalut starting from Jan.
TOI wrote last week about how the trekker's paradise at Sandakphu—famed for its majestic views of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga, passing through winding trails of lush forests and picturesque villages reaching 11,941 feet—doesn't have a single medicine store, let alone any hospital or basic medical facility.
Speaking to locals and homestay owners, TOI found they still rely on traditional medicine, and local healers or elders who possess deep knowledge of these plants continue to play a vital role in preserving the health of villagers and tourists in the region.
Nila Gurung, who runs a homestay in Tumling, around 11 km away from Maneybhanjang, said they do keep a stock of basic medicines but follow ancient practices such as the use of medicinal plants found in the region to treat many diseases.
"It is easy for us due to its availability in the region. But we do need a basic health centre here. In case of any minor or major injury, the patient has to be taken to Sukhiapokhari block primary health centre, which is around 26 km from Tumling and takes an hour-and-a-half journey to reach. Before that, we have to call the vehicle to reach Tumling, which takes another half an hour," said the 56-year-old woman.
Another homestay owner said even tourists give them some medicines before they leave. "There are times when we face difficulties in obtaining essential medicines. When this happens, we ask the tourists, and they assist us. Some tourists, when they leave, even give us medicines and write down the names of the medicines and their uses on a piece of paper," he said.
Tumling: The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has submitted a proposal to the state govt to establish a primary health centre in Sandakphu, This is in response to the long-standing demand for a proper healthcare centre in the region for locals and tourists alike.
The proposal comes against the backdrop of a young girl from Dum Dum dying of unclear reasons while she was staying at a homestay in Tumling. She was found unconscious and bleeding from her nose by her friends, and it was only after four hours that she received first treatment at a health centre 26 km away in Sukhiapokhri. She died two hours later while on her way to another hospital. This is the third such death this year in Sandakphu, bringing the focus back on the lack of basic medical infrastructure in this heavy tourist zone on the Indo-Nepal border.
"We submitted a proposal to the state govt, requesting land for the establishment of a primary health centre in Sandakphu. The health department will also provide first-aid training to all homestay owners in the area within this month, aiming to equip locals with basic medical knowledge to address emergencies and provide immediate assistance to visitors in need," said Rajesh Chauhan, deputy chairman of GTA and health in charge of the Darjeeling subdivision.
Chauhan added they also prepared a proposal for producing a mandatory fitness certificate for visiting Sandakphu and Phalut starting from Jan.
TOI wrote last week about how the trekker's paradise at Sandakphu—famed for its majestic views of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga, passing through winding trails of lush forests and picturesque villages reaching 11,941 feet—doesn't have a single medicine store, let alone any hospital or basic medical facility.
Speaking to locals and homestay owners, TOI found they still rely on traditional medicine, and local healers or elders who possess deep knowledge of these plants continue to play a vital role in preserving the health of villagers and tourists in the region.
Nila Gurung, who runs a homestay in Tumling, around 11 km away from Maneybhanjang, said they do keep a stock of basic medicines but follow ancient practices such as the use of medicinal plants found in the region to treat many diseases.
"It is easy for us due to its availability in the region. But we do need a basic health centre here. In case of any minor or major injury, the patient has to be taken to Sukhiapokhari block primary health centre, which is around 26 km from Tumling and takes an hour-and-a-half journey to reach. Before that, we have to call the vehicle to reach Tumling, which takes another half an hour," said the 56-year-old woman.
Another homestay owner said even tourists give them some medicines before they leave. "There are times when we face difficulties in obtaining essential medicines. When this happens, we ask the tourists, and they assist us. Some tourists, when they leave, even give us medicines and write down the names of the medicines and their uses on a piece of paper," he said.
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