BAJURA, AUGUST 6

A 29-year-old Rithu Dhami from Khatigaun in Khaptadchededaha Rural Municipality-4 of Bajura lost her life shortly after giving birth to twin sons, underscoring the challenges faced by maternal health care in rural regions.

She succumbed while undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of Seti Provincial Hospital in Dhangadi on Saturday evening, as confirmed by her relative Sushila Dhami.

Rithu had been referred to Dhangadi from Gudukhati Health Post in Bajura a month ago after it was confirmed that she was carrying twins and required advanced medical care. Rithu welcomed a healthy son into the world on Friday morning at Seti Provincial Hospital, while her other son was delivered via a cesarean section, the hospital authorities informed. Rithu was admitted to the ICU after her health deteriorate, according to her family members.

Fortunately, both of her sons are in stable condition. With her sudden demise, the responsibility of caring for all six of her young children now falls on their father. Concerns loom among relatives about how they will manage this responsibility.

Rithu's case is not isolated; in fact, 13 pregnant women and new mothers have lost their lives in Bajura over the past four years. A significant number of these deaths have been attributed to the lack of timely and proper medical intervention. District Health Office, Bajura data shows that 5 deaths occurred in 2076 BS, 1 in 2077, 2 in 2078, 3 in 2079, and 2 in 2080 BS.

Out of these 13 unfortunate deaths, 8 transpired within health facilities, 2 at home, and 3 en route to Dhangadhi hospital.

Health workers have highlighted that many of these maternal deaths stem from issues such as inadequate rest during pregnancy, insufficient nutritious food, and the compulsion to engage in strenuous labor.

Despite the government's initiative of the President Women Upliftment Program, which conducts the air rescue of expectant and new mothers to hospitals, the number of maternal deaths in the district remains alarming. Deepak Shah, the Health Coordinator at Budhiganga Municipality, has attributed the district's short life expectancy and poor health conditions to the pervasive poverty prevalent among its residents.