BAJURA , FEBRUARY 25

Two siblings who found themselves in dire straits following the tragic loss of their mother have been rescued.

Sukili Sarki, 28, from Bajura Jagannath Rural Municipality-6, Bajura, tragically passed away three weeks ago while giving birth, leaving behind her physically disabled husband to care for their children, 7-year-old Bhimraj Sarki and 5-year-old Kritika Sarki.

Sukili had been airlifted by a Nepali Army helicopter to Surkhet Provincial Hospital due to complications during her pregnancy. Despite undergoing surgery to deliver a stillborn child, she succumbed to her condition the following morning.

After the news was published in The Himalayan Times, Shanti Sewa Griha in Kathmandu responded by rescuing the children and relocated to Kathmandu, where they will receive support for their basic needs and education.

The father had been having difficulties raising the children effectively, informed Kali Bahadur Shahi, chair of the rural municipality. With the intervention of Shanti Sewa Griha, the siblings are now assured of a nurturing environment and access to education, Shahi added.

Sukili's ordeal sheds light on the issue plaguing Bajura, where inadequate access to timely medical care has resulted in the loss of numerous lives, particularly among pregnant and postpartum women. Over the past four years, 14 mothers, including Sukili, have lost their lives due to the lack of essential medical services.

According to Tek Bahadur Khadka, chief of the health division at Badimalika Municipality, the absence of regular prenatal check-ups and timely interventions has contributed significantly to the high mortality rate among pregnant women.