On 22–23 August 2026, a field visit was conducted to the Simpani Health Post construction site in Marsyangdi Rural Municipality, Lamjung, to review the progress of the project and coordinate with the people involved in its construction.
The visit provided an opportunity to assess the work completed so far, check construction quality against the approved plans and design, and discuss the next stages of work with the contractor, engineer, Health Post Development Committee and local stakeholders.
With support from Beyond the Epicenter, the Simpani Health Post is steadily taking shape, bringing the project another step closer to providing improved access to healthcare for the local community.
Construction progress
Construction is currently on track according to the planned schedule.
Following a period of monsoon leave, work has resumed at the site. Ten labourers are currently deployed, along with trucks and other equipment required for construction.
During the field visit, the team received an update from the contractor on the current status of construction and the expected timeline for the upcoming works. The completed and ongoing work was also reviewed in coordination with the engineer to verify both the quality and quantity of construction against the detailed plan and design.
The Health Post Development Committee and engineer continue to closely monitor the quality of the work as construction progresses.
The next phase: the construction of the vertical pillars for the ground floor, is scheduled to begin in the week commencing 30 August.
Working through the monsoon
Progress has had to be managed around particularly challenging weather conditions this year.
Unusually heavy rainfall during the pre- and peak-monsoon periods has affected transportation along the off-road routes leading to the construction site. Moving construction materials to the site has therefore been more difficult, making it challenging to maintain continuous work.
The persistent rainfall has also resulted in standing water at the construction site.
In addition, construction material and transportation costs increased during the previous months due to tensions in the Middle East, adding to the overall challenges of carrying out construction in this rural location.
Despite these difficulties, work has resumed following the monsoon break and the project remains on track. Material costs have also started to decrease compared with previous months.
The next stages of construction
Following discussions with the contractor, workers and local stakeholders, the approximate timeline for the remaining major construction works is:
- Second tie beam for the ground level – 30 August 2026
- Vertical pillars for the first floor – 10 September 2026
- First-floor RCC slab – 25 September 2026
- Second-floor RCC slab – 30 October 2026
- Wall works – expected to be completed by 30 December 2026
- Doors, windows, painting and final works – expected to be completed by 15 April 2027
As with any construction project in a rural setting, the timeline may be affected by weather, transportation and other conditions at the site.
From plans to a health facility
A health post may begin as a plan on paper, but turning that plan into a functioning facility requires sustained work, coordination and commitment from everyone involved.
With the continued support of Beyond the Epicenter, in coordination with Himalayan Quests Foundation, the Simpani Health Post is moving forward despite the challenges presented by this year’s monsoon and the practical realities of construction in a rural area.
There is still work ahead, but each completed stage brings the project closer to its purpose: creating a health facility that can serve the local community for years to come.
We will continue to monitor the construction closely and share further updates as the Simpani Health Post progresses towards completion.