Minister’s emergency airlift lays bare healthcare gaps in Sudurpashim

Lamsal was flown from Baitadi to Kathmandu after falling ill, highlighting a stark contrast with residents who struggle to find ambulances, basic medicines and specialist care.

Federal Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal was in Baitadi on Sunday during a field inspection of the province’s hill districts when he fell ill. Dr Pabin Upadhyay, who examined him at his hotel, said he had symptoms of a viral respiratory infection.