Kavre, September 4

Health centres in Kavre are facing an acute shortage of water. Birthing centres operated by the District Health Office, Kavre have been the hardest hit by the water crisis. DHO has been running as many as 38 birthing centers in the district.

Besides, Dhulikhel Hospital, Banepa Hospital, Nepla Family Planning Association and Social Service have been running other nine birthing centers in the district.

Health worker Kuleswor Dhungel at Anekot of Panchkhal Municipality-13 lamented that shortage of water had made it difficult for them to provide their services to patients. Dhungel said they require around 500 liters of water to bathe a new mother and her baby.

The number of women delivering their babies at birthing centers has gone up after the government started giving clothes to the mother and newborn as part of its ‘mother security program.’

Health facilities at Timal, Panchkhal and beyond Koshi have been the worst hit by the water shortage. Dr Rajendra Shah at the District Health Office said they have asked the concerned authorities to solve the crisis.

A health worker at Panchkhal said they have been facing difficulty even bathing new mothers and newborns due to the water crisis.

Birthing centers at Milche, Salmechakal, Ghartichhap, Banakhu, VDC and Deurali, Bekhsimle, Bhumlutar have also been facing water shortage.

A government hospital, four primary health centers, 65 health posts, two health units and three municipal health centers are currently in operation in Kavre.