Kathmandu Medical & Eyeglasses

B&B Hospital (531-930), southern side of Ring Road in Patan, get recommended by foreigners. The Patan Hospital (521-048; ambulance number: 527-003), Lagankhel, Patan is the best hospital in Kathmandu. It has some Western doctors. The Teaching Hospital (412-404), in Maharajganj, is not considered good. The government Bir Hospital is best avoided.

Nepal International Clinic (412-842; email nic@naxal.wlink.com.np), Naxal, at the top of Durbar Marg, near Jaya Nepal cinema, a block from the palace entrance, has a very good reputation. A consultation costs $25. Open daily 9 am to 5 pm.

CIWEC (410-983, 228-531; fax 241-732; email advice@ciwecpc.mos.com.np), Baluwater, off Durbar Marg near Yak & Yeti Hotel, have efficient Western doctors and prices to match. It has an excellent reputation. Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to noon and 1 to 4 pm. A consultation costs $30.

Unless it is an emergency it is usually better to wait until you are back home to go to a hospital.

You can get eyeglasses at Optic Palace, Bagh Bazaar (226-673) or Euro Optic Centre (224-436), 22/234 Khicha Pokhari, near Durbar Square. It is a good idea to bring a spare pair of eyeglasses from back home for your trip. If you are trekking or away from a Kathmandu valley, it can be very difficult to get a spare set of glasses.

Om Pharmacy (244-658), New Rd, is a recommended pharmacy. Sajha Swastha Sewa, across from the Mahakali temple on Kantipath, is a pharmacy open 24 hours. A good optometrist is Mr Kaiser Malla (222-504), in Bagh Bazaar.
Dentists: The American Dental Clinic (249-517), near the doorway of the American Club (at the USA embassy), on Kantipath. HOPE Dental Centre (423-411), Lazimpet, is jointly run Belgian-Nepali place (only open in the afternoon).
For an ambulance call 244-121.

Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides