KHOTANG, May 24: A 64-year-old male COVID-19 patient from Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadi Municipality of Khotang was airlifted to Kathmandu in a chartered helicopter after oxygen level in his body dropped sharply. 

According to his relatives, the patient was airlifted to Kathmandu for further treatment after paying a hefty sum of money for the helicopter charter. The patient had been receiving treatment at the district hospital but was airlifted to Kathmandu after he showed no sign of recovery. He was tested positive for COVID-19 some 12 days ago. 

COVID-19 infected patients in the district are forced to use expensive helicopter services due to lack of proper treatment facilities in the district. On May 19, three infected patients of the same family from Aiselukharka Rural Municipality-3 were airlifted to Kathmandu by helicopter after paying Rs 320,000 for the flight. So far, there are 450 active cases of COVID-19 in the district.
 

 
• Coronavirus
 
• Patients
 
• Air-lift
 
• Khotang