Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel honors Pemba Sherpa, the record-holding climber from Solukhumbu who successfully summited Mount Everest after a kidney transplant.
Photo: Minister Paudel’s Secretariat.
Kathmandu, 30 May: Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel has honored Pemba Sherpa, a record-setting climber from Solukhumbu, for successfully summiting Mount Everest after undergoing a kidney transplant.
During a special event held at the ministry on Friday, Minister Paudel congratulated Sherpa for making history, stating that he has set a world record.
“You have set a record not just for Nepal but globally,” said Minister Paudel. “The ministry will appoint you as a Transplant Promotion Ambassador.”
Highlighting the current shortage of organ donors despite the potential to save lives through donations after brain death, Minister Paudel expressed hope that Sherpa’s climb would help raise public awareness.
“We have begun efforts to make organ donation after brain death easier and more accessible,” he said. “We hope this will save the lives of many who are forced to die due to a lack of available organs.”
The Minister also addressed the lack of health insurance for porters who risk their lives during Everest expeditions, announcing that steps will be taken to ensure their insurance coverage.
Climber Pemba Sherpa shared that the climb boosted his courage and self-confidence.
“I began the climb within two years of my kidney transplant,” he said. “I risked my life to fulfill a promise I made to the hospital that saved me.”
Sherpa returned to Nepal after discovering his kidney failure while working abroad. Three years ago, he underwent a kidney transplant at the Shahid Dharmabhakta National Transplant Center.
After summiting Lobuche Peak on March 22, 2024, Sherpa reached the summit of Mount Everest on May 14, setting a world record.
The 37-year-old Sherpa also praised Health Minister Paudel for his work in improving public health, saying, “He is doing commendable work.”
