People of Ruby Valley in the northern part of Dhading are compelled to charter a helicopter whenever someone falls sick for taking them to a hospital.

As the village is not connected by road, people have no option but to use helicopter to fly patients to Kathmandu or the District Hospital in case of an emergency. There are 7,000 families living in Ruby Valley.

People said they spend the savings of their lifetime to charter a helicopter once. In the last eight months, two post-partum women died due to excessive bleeding at Tipling Labdung and Tulo Gaun.

The families of both the women were unable to avail of helicopter service in the lack of money.

“At least Rs120,000 is required to charter a small helicopter from Kathmandu. It also takes long to find a helicopter in an emergency situation,” said Jas Thapa, a local man.

Locals Aaite Tamang, Yencha Raj Ghale, Tasi Ghale and Garchen Ghale are among those who have spent thousands of rupees chartering helicopters.

In the last two months, 16 patients were flown from Ruby Valley to Kathmandu for treatment. Pregnant women, sick and injured people have to reach Dhadingbeshi, the district headquarters, or Kathmandu for medical care. People said there is no medicine available at most of the rural health posts and primary health centres nearby.

Construction of the 107-kilometre Dhadingbesi-Tipling road began 30 years ago but the work has not completed yet.