Lamjung, September 6

Recent data published by District Public Health Office, Lamjung, shows that 61 per cent of the total number of married couples — 39,000 — in the district, do not use any contraceptive to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

A total of 402,750 condoms were distributed free from various health facilities of the district in fiscal 2017-18.

Only 33 males have undergone vasectomy and 83 females have undergone laparoscopy in the district so far. Similarly, a total of 914 women use pills, 1,717 women use depo-provera, 883 women use implant and 1,254 women use intra-uterine contraceptive device in the district, said Family Planning Department Supervisor Kaushal Bhandari of Public Health Office.

“As many as 29 health facilities in the district provide IUCD service, 24 provide implant service, four health facilities provide free abortion service and only district community hospital provides vasectomy and laparoscopy services. However, almost all the health facilities provide condoms, depos and pills to people,” said Bhandari.

Though the government has launched various health related programmes for better family planning, a large number of young couples are reluctant to use contraceptives.

“Lack of social awareness, lack of privacy while taking contraceptives and foreign unemployment are said to be major reasons behind less use of contraceptives,” said Public Health Chief Keshav Prasad Chapagain. He was of the opinion that if stakeholders and health facilities organised national-level awareness programmes, it would contribute to develop healthy societies in the country.