Solukhumbu: The Pasang Lhamu Nicole Niquille Hospital in Lukla has celebrated its 20th anniversary with a grand event that also marked 30 years since National Hero Pasang Lhamu Sherpa’s historic ascent of Mt. Everest.Hospital Executive Director Pasang Kaji Sherpa said the hospital has treated around 300,000 patients and helped deliver 1,500 babies over the past two decades.

“We remain committed to ensuring health and education access for low-income Himalayan families,” he said. “Our facilities are being upgraded with modern equipment, and we regularly organize special health camps, including eye and orthopedic services.”

Swiss Ambassador to Nepal Daniela Veronica Moll called the hospital — situated at about 2,900 meters in the heart of the Himalayas — a symbol of Swiss–Nepal friendship. She praised its two decades of dedication to providing quality healthcare in one of the most remote parts of the world.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Chairperson Mingma Chhiring Sherpa said the hospital’s services have been a lifeline for locals and trekkers alike. “It provides essential maternity and uterine care and distributes free medicines to families in need,” he added.

Hospital founder Nicole Niquille expressed heartfelt thanks to Swiss donors Rob and Ralph for their continued support. She highlighted the ‘Born Children Education Project,’ which provides each child born at the hospital with an annual scholarship of 220 Swiss francs up to grade 10. “This year alone, 261 children have received scholarships,” she said.

The event was attended by Deputy Chairperson Tashi Lhamu Sherpa, Pasang Lhamu Foundation Chairperson and former Ambassador to Spain Dawa Futi Sherpa, Captain Ang Gelu Sherpa (brother of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa), and Pasang Gyaljen Sherpa of the Nicole Niquille Foundation.
Cultural performances by local women’s groups and traditional Himalayan delicacies added color to the celebration, which drew around 500 guests from Nepal and abroad.