Projects

The humanitarian and medical aid program Tilicho Medical Research Expedition was extended , in september of 2005, to include the District of Dolpo, thanks to the suggestion and support given by Mr. Ang Tsering Sherpa, General Manager of Yeti Airlines. Dolpo is one of the poorest corners of one of the poorest countries on earth, in a remote area, a long way from the beaten track of tourism, even if incomparable in beauty (the film "Himalaya" was shot in Dolpo).

The long term project Tilicho Medical Research Expedition is also concerned, there where it is actively involved, with the development of an environmentally compatible joint-tourism, and the creation of cultivation incentives aimed at enhancing the bio-diversity of the zone, and improving the area's hydric-resources, together with whatever else may be of assistance to the population, always keeping in mind however respect of their traditions and tutelage of the environment.

Tilicho Medical Research Expedition is mainly an experience of peace and a simple way to thank the Nepal and its wonderful people. We wish to organize an annual event, an occasion for doctors, specialists and technicians of underwater world, mountain, nutrition, biodiversities, traditional and alternative medicine, in order to carry out searches and investigations in different fields.
The choice of the zone of the Tilicho is not occasional. Located half-way between Manang and Jomsom, in the area of the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project), between the mountainous chains of the Himalayas, we find this great lake ("cho" in tibetan means lake) of four squared kilometers, to 5.000 meters of altitude. Next the Tilicho Peak (7,134 meters), dipped in the extended glacier of the Annapurna; to the shoulders Annapurna I, 8,091 meters high.We want to contribute with our searches and knowledges to the increase of local populations' welfare, through their direct involvement in the event and the same searches. To create a event of scientific interest that is also a moment of stimulus for a various tourism, attracting passionates of altitude scuba diving, the trekking and the mountain, aware to find a fully available medical - scientific equipe.

At the moment we have a camp hospital in tents at our disposition (two geodesic tents Ferrino, mod. Hi-Lab Base Camp , donated by RR-Trek of Roma and a geodesic tent High-Lab Colle Sud, donated by Ferrino), and sited along two routes that reach out to the more isolated villages in the project zone. Other than the donation of medical and oxygen apparatus from Linde, we have also an ultrasound scanner Aquila and a P80 Power electrocardiograph, donated by Esaote, laboratory instruments donated by Diacron, the very latest dermoscope donated by Fastbrain, and the instruments and equipments needed for an operating room, bought by us. We have also a portable altitude chamber (PAC by Treksafe) for emergencies due to AMS, HAPE and HACE. All the equipment has been protected for expedition and transport in exceptional, indestructible and super-equipped Explorer cases, donated by GT-Line. Satellite links, using the Iridium and Inmarsat systems, allow us access to an on line specialist consultation and an on line "second opinion" with medical centres of excellence in Italy, all made possible by the equipment of Universat Italia, a Geolink Group Company . Thanks to the support and collaboration of Microsoft, and in particular that of Microsoft Mobile and Embedded Division, and Homegate, we have been able to carry out a tele-medicine satellite programme and a digital medical history record, "the technological heart " of the whole project.