🏥 Healthcare Overview

System: Limited. Public healthcare system exists but is under-resourced. Private hospitals in Kathmandu offer better care. No universal health coverage. Tourists pay out-of-pocket.

Quality: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Healthcare quality is limited, especially outside Kathmandu. Kathmandu has several private hospitals and international clinics with decent care (Norvic Hospital, Sumeru Hospital, CIWEC Clinic). For serious conditions, medical evacuation to Bangkok or Delhi is required. Outside Kathmandu, facilities are very basic. Always carry your own medical supplies for trekking.

💡 Medical Tourism

Nepal is not a medical tourism destination. Healthcare is insufficient for serious conditions. Some tourists visit Nepal specifically for trekking-related medical support (altitude medicine) at specialized clinics.

💊 Pharmacy Guide

Access: moderate

Hours: Pharmacies are widely available in Kathmandu and major towns, typically open 7am-9pm. Rural areas have very limited pharmacies. Many medications are available OTC in Nepal.

Prescription rules: Prescription requirements are not strictly enforced. For controlled substances, carry your prescription and doctor's letter. Nepali pharmacists are often helpful with common medication needs.

Available Over-the-Counter

  • ibuprofen
  • paracetamol
  • cold medicines
  • antihistamines
  • antacids
  • anti-diarrheals
  • rehydration salts (ORS)
  • Diamox (acetazolamide — for altitude sickness)
  • mosquito repellent
  • first aid supplies

💡 Tips

Many common medications are available OTC, including some antibiotics and painkillers. Quality varies — use reputable pharmacies in Kathmandu. Generic medications are common. Bring all medications you might need, especially for trekking. Antimalarial medications are not widely available — bring your own.

💉 Medications & Restrictions

Carry a doctor's letter in English listing all medications with generic names. Keep medications in original packaging. This is critical for Nepal — bring all medications you might need for your entire trip. Supply chains are unreliable. For trekking, bring comprehensive medical supplies.

Controlled / Restricted Substances

🚫 Watch out for these

  • ⚠️ Diazepam (Valium) and benzodiazepines — Controlled. Requires prescription. Carry your foreign prescription and doctor's letter. Quantities for personal use are permitted with documentation.
  • ⚠️ Codeine-containing medications — Controlled. Requires prescription. Bring your documentation.
  • ⚠️ Tramadol — Controlled opioid. Requires prescription. Bring your documentation.
  • ⚠️ ADHD medications (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse) — Strictly controlled. Requires documentation and possibly Nepali doctor consultation. Contact your embassy if you need to travel with ADHD medications.
  • 🚫 Medical cannabis — Cannabis is illegal in Nepal. Despite a historical tradition of cannabis use, it is now prohibited. Do not bring any cannabis products.

🛡️ Travel Insurance

⚠️ Required

Highly recommended for all travelers. Mandatory for trekking in remote areas (many agencies require proof of insurance for treks). Medical evacuation insurance is critical.

Average cost: $25-45/week

💡 Tip

Medical evacuation from remote trekking areas costs $15,000-50,000+ to Bangkok or Delhi. This is the single most important coverage. Even in Kathmandu, serious conditions may need evacuation. Public hospitals are inadequate for serious conditions. CIWEC Clinic in Kathmandu is the best option for tourists.

💉 Vaccinations

Recommended

  • 🟡 Hepatitis A
  • 🟡 Hepatitis B
  • 🟡 Typhoid
  • 🟡 Japanese Encephalitis (for extended rural stays)
  • 🟡 Rabies
  • 🟡 MMR
  • 🟡 Tetanus

No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers. Ensure routine vaccinations are current. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Rabies are strongly recommended. Consider Japanese Encephalitis vaccination for extended rural stays near mosquitoes.

🚰 Water & Food Safety

unsafe

Do NOT drink tap water in Nepal. Bottled water is essential — always drink sealed bottled water. Use bottled or purified water for brushing teeth. Water-borne diseases are common — be very careful.

Food Safety Tips

Be very cautious with food. Eat at reputable restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Avoid raw vegetables and salads unless you're confident in the establishment. Only eat cooked foods served hot. Street food can cause serious issues. Dal bhat (lentil rice) at established restaurants is generally safe.

🚨 Emergency Contacts

🆘 Emergency: 100 (police), 102 (ambulance — limited), 103 (fire). For medical emergencies in Kathmandu, contact international clinics directly (CIWEC Clinic: 01-4424111, 01-4434642).

📚 Sources & References

Data compiled from official government health sources, WHO, and traveler-reported information.

  • CDC Travelers' Health
  • Nepal Ministry of Health and Population
  • WHO International Travel and Health
  • US Embassy Kathmandu

⚠️ This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before traveling and verify current entry requirements with official sources.