BAJURA, NOVEMBER 14

Budhiganga Municipality in Bajura has begun offering free ultrasound and laboratory services to pregnant women by reaching communities across all 10 wards, in partnership with the Green Tara Nepal, according to Mayor Ram Bahadur Baniya.

Kavita Thapa, field manager at Green Tara Nepal, said a medical team visits one ward every month to conduct ultrasound and other lab tests, along with counselling services. 'We run the ultrasound service and train local health workers to carry out additional lab tests. Equipment for ultrasound and diagnostics is also supported by Green Tara,' she said.

For many women, the service has replaced time-consuming and costly trips to Martadi. Nirmala Kumal of Ward 8, who is five months pregnant and has already used the service three times, said, 'Earlier, travelling to the district hospital meant losing a whole day and paying Rs 400 for an ultrasound. Now we receive everything for free in our own neighbourhood.'

According to ANM and community nurse Bisna Giri, the team records data of all pregnant women, conducts monthly checkups, and refers high-risk cases to the hospital. Tests include screening for anaemia, blood sugar, and urine analysis. Giri said the programme has helped reduce maternal and infant mortality by enabling early detection of complications. 'Through ultrasound, we can assess the baby's growth, gestational age, weight, and placental position,' she said.

ANM Mangala Bohora of Tante Health Post added that timely information from ultrasound has helped save the lives of both mothers and babies. 'In the past, complications often went unnoticed. Now we can identify risks early and alert families,' she said.

The Nepal government operates a rural ultrasound initiative under the Safe Motherhood Programme. Green Tara Nepal supports the effort in Budhiganga and Triveni municipalities by assisting with maternal checkups and community awareness, said Salita Gurung, senior programme manager.

Local resident Jaumati Budha said doorstep services have eased access significantly. 'There's no need to wait in long queues or struggle for transport. It has made everything much easier,' she said.

Similar free checkup programmes for pregnant women are being run in other municipalities of Bajura as well.