KATHMANDU, July 10: The government's plan to airlift a critically injured burn victim to India for advanced treatment has been put on hold after doctors warned that moving him in his current condition could prove life-threatening.
Twenty-five-year-old Ganesh Nepali of Soru Rural Municipality-1, Mugu, remains on ventilator support in the Burn ICU at Bir Hospital after suffering burns to 55 percent of his body. Doctors treating him have advised the government not to transfer him until his condition stabilizes.
The decision came despite the government having completed all preparations to fly Nepali to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, following an initial recommendation from the medical team.
Make burn care treatment available in Nepal
Minister for Home Affairs Sudan Gurung personally oversaw preparations for the emergency transfer. Nepal Police and the Traffic Police were deployed overnight to keep the route to the airport clear, while an air ambulance was placed on standby for the mission.
The government had earlier announced that all treatment expenses would be borne by the state. Arrangements had also been completed to transport Nepali from the airport in New Delhi directly to AIIMS.
However, doctors later determined that his condition had become too unstable for international transfer. They warned that moving him at this stage could significantly increase the risk to his life and recommended that he be flown to India only after his vital signs improve.
Following the latest medical advice, Home Minister Gurung and members of Prime Minister Balendra Shah's Secretariat have remained on standby at Bir Hospital since Thursday night, awaiting any improvement in Nepali's condition.
Nepali was admitted to the emergency department of Bir Hospital at around 3 pm on Thursday after sustaining severe burn injuries.
A 21-member multidisciplinary medical team, led by Dr Piyush Dahal, coordinator of the hospital's plastic surgery department, is currently overseeing his treatment. The team includes unit chief Dr Apar Lamichhane, critical care specialist Dr Nirman Gyawali, anaesthetist Jay Prakash Thakur, Prof. Dr Rabiram Shrestha and nursing staff.
According to hospital sources, the medical team is continuously administering specialized medications to stabilize Nepali's condition, particularly by maintaining his blood pressure, while closely monitoring his response to treatment.
