Bajura, March 23

A week ago, Rupa Karki of Pinalekh in Badimalika Municipality-1 gave birth to her baby at her home with the help of a mid-wife in Martadi, the district headquarters of Bajura.

Deuma Khadka of Kordh of the municipality also gave birth to her baby at home as the nearest health post Jugada Health Post is a three hour’s walk from her house.

Deuma and Rupa are just a few representative cases. Scores of pregnant women in the rural areas of the district do not seek parturition services and instead seek assistance of mid-wives to deliver babies.

“Although we live in a municipality, we are not able to avail health services as health facilities are far away. Hence, most women prefer to deliver babies at home despite the risks,” said Badimalika Municipality Mayor Padam Baduwal.

Hundreds of municipality residents have been deprived of health services due to geographical remoteness, poor condition of roads and lack of transport facilities. “Not just for delivery, women are facing a hard time even for post-delivery check-up,” rued Jugada Health Post in-charge Lalita Rokaya.

Meanwhile, Budhiganga Health Post Assistant Shanta Bhattarai said poverty and lack of awareness were compelling pregnant women to deliver their babies in their homes. “Delivering babies at home can be risky for both mother and infants. However, despite the odds a large number of pregnant women do not visit health facility for delivery,” she said.