Everest Link, a wireless internet service provider in high altitude regions, has launched Hello Doctor, an online emergency medical service targeting trekkers and mountaineers in the Everest region.

Kanchha Sherpa, the lone surviving member of the 1953 Everest expedition which put Tenzing Sherpa and Edmund Hillary on the world’s highest summit, inaugurated the service at Namche Bazaar in the Khumbu region on Sunday. The service, however, will formally begin from Wednesday.

The service provides users an easy way to consult a doctor to avoid problems or take precautions against altitude sickness and other potential hazards while travelling in high altitude areas. People worry about a variety of things when climbing mountains, and their mind often gets disturbed due to anxiety. Timely consultation can prevent lots of problems, the company said.

Chehen Lama, chief technical officer of Everest Link, said that the users of Everest Link will be able call a doctor directly free of cost. “The service is open to all trekkers, mountaineers and locals even if they are not customers of Everest Link.”

The company said that anybody wishing to make use of the service should go to the login page where there is a medical emergency button. Trekkers and mountaineers can simply press the red alert button to call for help. If the case is serious, the Himalayan Rescue Association will evacuate trekkers and mountaineers immediately.

Pressing the red emergency button will automatically redirect phone calls to doctors, and trekkers and mountaineers can consult them about their medical emergency. If the mobile phone of the dedicated doctor is busy, it will automatically connect to another doctor. “We have launched the service to help tourists through technology,” said Lama.

The company said that such a service would spread the message in the global arena that Nepal is safe for trekkers. Everest Link has partnered with a number of hospitals including Green City and Swacon International hospitals in Kathmandu and Kunde Hospital in the Khumbu region to provide the service. For the first phase, the company has enlisted five doctors who will provide online consultation.

The company plans to increase the number gradually. “It is necessary to increase the network of doctors for such services,” said Dr Romeo Kansakar, medical director of Green City Hospital. “It’s a very effective online service at the time of an emergency.”

The company provides wi-fi services in Lukla, Phakding, Monjo, Namche, Shyangboche, Thame, Tengboche, Pangboche, Dingboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, Gokyo and Everest base camp.

The service is provided through more than 200 hotels, restaurants and tea shops in the Everest region. The coverage extends to 90 percent of the Khumbu region, the company claimed.

Everest Link was founded in 2014 with a view to establish high speed, affordable internet services in remote areas of Solukhumbu district.