Groundbreaking Ceremony — Helambu Hospital

November 18, 2025

In November, we celebrated a major milestone for Helambu Health: the official groundbreaking ceremony for what will soon become a modern, innovative dental and medical hospital serving the people of Helambu.

This project represents years of quiet groundwork and collaboration, and it responds to an urgent need. Outside of volunteer dental care provided over the last four years at the remote Melamchi Ghyang Clinic, an estimated 96% of Helambu residents have never seen a dentist.

A shared effort with trusted partners

This hospital is being made possible through a strong coalition of partners, including:

• Arthrex Corporation (primary funding partner)

• Dhulikhel Hospital

• Kathmandu University Dental College

• Mayor Nima Gyalzen and the local municipal government

• Montana State University

• Building Bureau (US-based nonprofit)

• Helambu Health (Tsering’s Fund sister nonprofit)

A day of celebration and blessing

The groundbreaking ceremony on November 18th brought together a wide range of dignitaries and community members representing the many partners involved.

We were honored to have Mingyur Rinpoche in attendance to bless the site and offer a teaching to approximately 700 local villagers. Also attending were U.S. Ambassador Dean Thompson and his wife, Dr. Ram Shrestha (founder of the Dhulikhel Hospital System), along with representatives from Kathmandu University Dental College and Building Bureau.

Sustainable, local construction

Work begins immediately, using the traditional rammed earth construction method—an approach chosen for its durability, sustainability, and fit with local building traditions. Our goal is to create a facility that is not only effective and modern, but also eco-friendly and capable of serving as a model for future projects in the region.

Project plans and progress

We’d like you to explore our detailed project plans that includes construction updates, drawings, and floor plans. This document will help bring the story to life and show exactly what’s being built—and why it matters.