In a major boost to tourism safety and emergency healthcare, Nepal has officially launched a state-of-the-art professional emergency rescue service. The Nepal 999 Emergency Rescue Center, a joint venture between the Tibet 999 Emergency Rescue Center and Overseas Friendship International Hospital, is now fully operational with dual hubs in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

The center addresses a critical need in a country famed for its Himalayan treks but challenged by complex rescues. With over 3 million annual visitors engaging in high-altitude activities, the lack of advanced, integrated medical evacuation has long been a concern. Nepal 999 fills this gap, offering aero-medical rescue, international patient transfers, and high-altitude emergency services under one umbrella.

"This isn't just an ambulance service; it's a mobile, airborne intensive care unit designed for the Himalayas," said a center spokesperson. "Our mission is to ensure that whether a traveler is on a remote trail or in a city, world-class medical evacuation is only a call away."

Core Capabilities: From Mountain Peak to Home Country

The service is built around a fleet equipped for rapid response, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft configured as "flying ICUs." The medical teams utilize specialized aviation-compatible equipment—such as Hamilton ventilators, aerial negative pressure stretchers, and neonatal transport incubators—to maintain critical care during transport.

Its certified services include:

International Medical Evacuation: Seamless transfer of patients from Nepal to their home country or a third nation for continued care. Domestic Aeromedical Transport: Fast helicopter or plane evacuation between Nepali cities and remote areas. Global Repatriation of Remains: Dignified, compliant international repatriation of mortal remains and ashes. High-Altitude & Wilderness Rescue: Specialized teams and protocols for mountain and remote area emergencies.

Proven Track Record During Pilot Phase

Even before its formal launch, the center's collaboration with Tibet 999 has executed several high-stakes, cross-border operations, demonstrating its operational readiness:

1. A critically ill patient with complex conditions was evacuated from a Pokhara ICU to a hospital in Shandong, China, via a multi-mode transport involving seven en-route resuscitations.

2. Successful international repatriation of remains from Lhasa to Russia, Belarus, and the ashes of an Indian national to India, navigating complex customs and legal protocols.

3. Emergency repatriation of a Nepali citizen in critical condition from Lhasa to Kathmandu.

A Multinational Team for a Global Clientele

Staffed by a multilingual team of specialists from Nepal, China, India, and beyond, the center provides 24/7 coordination in emergency medicine, critical care, and logistics. Its integrated model ensures continuity of care from the initial emergency call through to handover at the destination hospital.

Looking Ahead: A Safer Nepal for All

The launch of Nepal 999 is seen as a significant step in strengthening the country's tourism infrastructure and emergency response ecosystem. "A reliable safety net is fundamental for a destination like Nepal," the spokesperson added. "We are committed to working with the government, the tourism industry, and local communities to elevate safety standards, protect lives, and support Nepal's growth as a world-class destination."

The center operates on a 24/7 basis and can be contacted for emergencies in Nepal or to coordinate medical transfers.