KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 21 The Everest Summiteers Association has signed a memorandum of understanding with Sukedhara-based Himal Dental hospital to facilitate affordable dental care services to Everest climbers. Amendment to REEEP-GREEN Implementation Agreement signed Heli flights to Everest region suspended as locals warn of action against crew members The five-year-long agreement between two institutions aims to benefit all ESA members as they opt for quality dental care in the coming days, said Maya Sherpa, President of ESA. The agreement which was signed today by hospital's Managing Director Dr Rajendra Bhatta and ESA President Maya Sherpa in the premises of Himal Dental Hospital states that the services provided by Himal Dental Hospital are for the ESA members along with their direct dependents including spouse, children, siblings, children of siblings, parents and parents-in-law. "Following the MoU, Himal Hospital shall provide 20% discount on discount on diagnostic and procedurals and other charges including drugs/medicines, implants, disposables, packages and outsourced services to all ESA members," Dr Bhatta said, adding that immediate family members of the ESA card holders would also get 10% discount on diagnostic and procedural charges. According to Bhatta, foreign climbers who come with ESA's recommendation will also get a free check-up facility at the hospital. On the occasion, Hospital executives, medical faculties as well as ESA vice president Diwas Pokharel and general secretary Shiva Bahadur Sapkota were present. Established in 2003, Himal Dental Hospital is one of the country's best medical facilities having 14 branches across the provinces. "Our working area is rural people, especially to the people, where modern dental services are not available. The focused groups are the poor, marginalized and destitute people, students from the government school, private school, monk and handicapped children." It also runs a dental college as well as school and community-based dental health care activities, according to Bhatta. The institution offers a diverse range of academic courses including Dental Science, Dental Nursing (Assistant) training, and Dental Lab Mechanics training among others. "Dental outreach programme is also one of the successful ventures of our institution," Bhatta added.