ENT & Dermatology Department in Pokhara — A&B International Hospital

Ear, nose, and throat disorders and skin conditions collectively account for a large proportion of outpatient medical visits in Nepal. Despite this burden, access to specialist ENT and dermatology care outside Kathmandu has historically required significant travel. A&B International Hospital’s combined ENT and dermatology department brings specialist-level diagnosis and treatment to Pokhara, with on-site diagnostic capability and ECHS coverage for eligible ex-servicemen.

What ENT Conditions Are Treated at A&B International Hospital?

A&B’s ENT department treats the full spectrum of ear, nose, and throat conditions including ear infections, sinusitis, hearing loss, tonsil and adenoid disease, vertigo, nasal polyps, and ENT-related cancers. Minor ENT procedures are performed in the outpatient setting; more complex surgery is coordinated through the operating theatre.

Ear Conditions

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) — a persistent discharging ear with a perforated eardrum — is one of the most prevalent ENT conditions in Nepal, driven by inadequately treated childhood ear infections. CSOM causes progressive hearing loss if untreated and carries the risk of serious complications including mastoiditis, meningitis, and brain abscess. A&B’s ENT team manages both acute ear infections and the surgical repair of CSOM sequelae.

Hearing loss affects a significant proportion of Nepal’s adult population, particularly older adults, veterans with occupational noise exposure, and patients who have had recurrent ear infections. Audiometry is available at A&B to characterise the type and degree of hearing loss and guide treatment.

Vertigo is a common ENT presentation that causes significant functional impairment. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) — the most common cause — can be definitively treated with the Epley repositioning manoeuvre performed in the ENT clinic.

Nasal and Sinus Conditions

Sinusitis — particularly chronic sinusitis — is exceptionally common in Pokhara, where seasonal allergic rhinitis and air quality factors contribute to ongoing sinonasal inflammation. A&B manages both medical and, where required, surgical treatment of chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is available for cases that fail medical management.

Throat and Voice Conditions

Recurrent tonsillitis, tonsillar hypertrophy causing sleep apnea, peritonsillar abscess, and vocal cord disorders are all managed at A&B. Tonsillectomy is one of the most commonly performed ENT procedures.

Suspicious lesions in the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx — particularly in patients who smoke or chew tobacco — receive urgent assessment. Early-stage head and neck cancers are significantly more treatable than late presentations.

What Dermatology Services Are Available at A&B?

A&B’s dermatology department provides specialist diagnosis and treatment for the full range of skin, hair, and nail conditions affecting the Pokhara region.

Inflammatory and Chronic Skin Conditions

Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) is among the most common dermatological referrals. A&B dermatologists develop individualised management plans addressing trigger identification, topical treatment protocols, and prevention of secondary infection.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with significant impact on quality of life. Management options range from topical treatments for mild disease to systemic agents and phototherapy for moderate to severe disease. A&B’s dermatology team provides ongoing management within a local setting, eliminating the need for repeated Kathmandu trips.

Infections and Monsoon Dermatoses

Nepal’s monsoon season creates ideal conditions for fungal and bacterial skin infections. Ringworm, pityriasis versicolor, folliculitis, and scabies are common presentations from May through September. A&B dermatologists provide accurate diagnosis, distinguish superficial fungal infections from eczema and psoriasis (which they can mimic), and prescribe appropriate antifungal or antibacterial therapy.

Acne and Cosmetic Dermatology

Acne vulgaris is a common reason for dermatology consultation, particularly in adolescents and young adults. Inadequate initial treatment leads to scarring that is preventable with appropriate early management. A&B provides topical and systemic acne treatment tailored to severity.

Skin Cancer Screening

Fair-skinned trekkers and mountaineers passing through Pokhara face significant UV exposure at altitude. Local residents who have had unusual skin lesions — non-healing ulcers, pigmented spots changing in shape or colour, persistent nodules — benefit from dermatological assessment.

What Diagnostic Tools Are Available in the ENT and Dermatology Department?

ENT diagnostic capability includes otoscopy with photodocumentation, audiometry (pure tone and tympanometry), flexible nasal endoscopy, and stroboscopy for vocal cord assessment. For surgical planning, CT of sinuses and temporal bones is available on-site.

Dermatological diagnosis uses dermoscopy — a handheld device that allows magnified examination of skin lesions — which significantly improves the accuracy of distinguishing benign from malignant lesions compared to naked-eye assessment alone.

Is ECHS Coverage Available for ENT and Dermatology at A&B?

Yes. A&B International Hospital is ECHS empanelled, meaning retired defence personnel with valid ECHS polycards can access ENT and dermatology specialist consultations, diagnostic investigations, approved medications, and eligible surgical procedures under their ECHS entitlement without direct payment.

Chronic conditions — including chronic sinusitis, hearing loss, chronic otitis media, chronic eczema, and psoriasis — qualify for ongoing ECHS-covered outpatient management. The A&B administrative team assists beneficiaries with documentation.

How Do I Book an ENT or Dermatology Appointment at A&B?

Appointments are made by calling the hospital directly. For urgent ENT concerns — sudden hearing loss, epistaxis (nosebleed) that will not stop, suspected peritonsillar abscess, sudden-onset severe vertigo — same-day or next-day assessment is facilitated.

For dermatology, routine appointments are available on weekdays. Patients are advised to bring any previous prescription records, especially for chronic skin conditions, as previous treatment trials are directly relevant to management planning.

A&B International Hospital

Pokhara-02, Bindhyaabasini Way to Sarangkot

Phone: +977 061-412512

Website: abinthospital.com

Specialist ENT and dermatology care is available in Pokhara without the need for a Kathmandu referral. Call A&B International Hospital to book your consultation. ECHS polycards accepted for eligible veterans and their families.