KATHMANDU: The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is to run a model programme for improving the standard of maternal and child health in Mugu district.

The programme also aims at expanding the primary health services in this remote district, the least developed district in the country in terms of the overall Human Development Index.

KOICA plans to implement a project on family planning and improvement of the maternal and child health condition further augmenting the district hospital, five health posts, two sub-health posts and one primary health care centre, it is stated.

This was shared at an interaction organised here today to launch the Comprehensive District Assessment on Maternal and Child Health in Mugu District, a baseline study on the status of maternal and child health covering nine health facilities including one District Hospital, five health posts, two sub-health posts and one primary health care centre.

The speakers at the interaction suggested operating the project in coordination with the district-based government agencies, avoiding duplication and providing quality and accessible health care services to the poor.

Project manager Hyunhee Jung said the physical infrastructure of the nine health facilities would be constructed, the capacity of the health workers enhanced and the required medical equipment managed within 2018.

Hyunhee said The Republic of Korea is eager to support Nepal in the improvement of the education, health and physical infrastructure in Nepal. Stating that the status of maternal and child health in Mugu district was very poor, she said the model project which in the first phase would be launched in only six VDCs in the district would be gradually expanded to all the VDCs.

The baseline study report concluded that most women in the six VDCs surveyed are amenable to seek the MCH services if they are made accessible and affordable and that the presence and competency of health workers, infrastructure, availability of equipment and medicines were linked with provision of quality services.