In a significant move to promote better healthcare access for trekking professionals in Nepal, the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Hospital for Advanced Medicine & Surgery Ltd. (HAMS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement, signed on April 1, 2024 (Chaitra 16, 2081), is now officially in effect and aims to provide affordable and accessible medical services to TAAN’s member agency operators, their staff, and their dependent family members.
This partnership comes at a time when ensuring health and safety for tourism professionals, especially in the high-risk trekking and mountaineering sectors, is more crucial than ever. With this MoU, HAMS Hospital has committed to supporting TAAN members and their families through discounted medical services, wellness packages, and emergency medical evacuation support, all designed to ease the financial and logistical burdens often associated with healthcare in Nepal.
TAAN and HAMS Hospital Sign MoU
According to the agreement, HAMS Hospital will provide a 10% discount on all hospital bills, excluding outsourced services, OPD doctor consultations, and ambulance charges. This discount will be available to all TAAN member agency operators, their staff, and their direct dependents, which include spouses, children, and parents. Additionally, the pharmacy services at HAMS will also offer a 5% discount on most items, excluding implant devices and certain equipment.
One of the highlights of the agreement is the special discount on wellness and preventive healthcare. HAMS has agreed to provide a 20% discount on its existing wellness packages, such as full-body checkups, aimed at promoting preventive health awareness among trekking professionals who often face harsh and remote working conditions.
In situations of medical emergencies, HAMS will also facilitate heli-evacuation and ground ambulance services. These services will be offered to TAAN members, their staff, and their dependents at an affordable rate, with cost estimates to be provided during the evacuation process. This provision is particularly valuable in Nepal’s trekking and mountain tourism sector, where quick access to medical care can be life-saving in high-altitude or remote regions.
Further adding to the social responsibility aspect of this agreement, HAMS Hospital will also consider offering additional discounts for economically disadvantaged or underprivileged workers in the trekking industry. Such cases will be reviewed based on a special recommendation from TAAN, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of the trekking workforce are not left behind.
To ensure the smooth implementation of these benefits, TAAN will issue official identification cards with photographs for its general member operators. These ID cards will serve as the basis for accessing the agreed-upon healthcare services. For staff and dependent family members, TAAN will provide a verified list to HAMS Hospital, ensuring accurate and authenticated access to all services and benefits. Additionally, TAAN has committed to sharing an updated list of officially renewed member companies with the hospital, as per the association’s statutes.
The MoU reflects a growing recognition of the need for institutional health support in Nepal’s tourism industry. TAAN, being a leading umbrella organization for trekking agencies in the country, has long advocated for the well-being of those involved in trekking and mountaineering tourism. With this collaboration, it takes a proactive step in ensuring that health is made a priority alongside adventure and exploration.
The trekking sector in Nepal is not only a significant contributor to the national economy but also plays a vital role in employment generation in rural and urban areas. However, the nature of the job, requiring guides, porters, and support staff to work in challenging terrains and extreme weather, puts them at a constant risk of health complications. By joining hands with HAMS Hospital, TAAN aims to mitigate some of these risks and ensure that those who help others explore Nepal’s majestic mountains receive the medical support they deserve.
This MoU is expected to be a milestone in creating a model where the tourism sector is backed by essential health infrastructure. It sets a precedent for similar partnerships in the future and emphasizes the value of cross-sector collaboration for the welfare of tourism stakeholders.
The collaboration between TAAN and HAMS Hospital represents a thoughtful and timely initiative, addressing the long-standing health needs of trekking professionals in Nepal. It not only enhances the healthcare safety net for those who work tirelessly to make Nepal a top trekking destination but also reinforces TAAN’s commitment to the overall well-being of its community. As this agreement rolls out, it is anticipated that hundreds of trekking professionals and their families will benefit from better access to medical care, contributing to a healthier, safer, and more resilient tourism sector in Nepal.
Source: TAAN
