Govt's focus on reducing maternal mortality rate: Health Minister

By Kedar Timalsina, Kavrepalanchowk, Oct.11: Minister for Health and Population Mohan Bahadur Basnet said that the government has put a focus on reducing the maternal mortality rate. 

While addressing the International Conference of the Gynecologists and Obstetricians Experts by Dhulikhel Hospital on Wednesday, Minister Basnet said, “Government is working to reduce maternal mortality rate, accessible to treatment, and to provide timely treatment to ill health women. Different programs on maternal health have been started for the purpose.” 

He said that the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine against cervical cancer, which was halted, has been resumed. This will reduce cervical cancer in females. 

According to him, the HPV vaccine is being administered to girls till 14 years old by the government. There is a stock of 20,000 vaccines, but, the government is working to procure more by taking it as a responsibility to save as many girls from cervical cancer. 

Minister Basnet recognized the contribution that the Dhulikhel Hospital has made to the health sector and said that the hospital has contributed to reducing the maternal mortality rate and solving the problem of urinary incontinence (leakage) among women. 

Prof. Dr Ram Kantha Makaju Shrestha, founder of the Dhulikhel Hospital, Dr Abha Shrestha, Chief of the Department of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, Prof. Dr. Suman Raj Tamrakar, Chief of the Gynecologists and Media and Communication department shared information about the hospital.

Dr Abha Shrestha, Chief of the Department of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, said, “In an international conference organized by Germany and Nepali Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (GENSOG), which involves Gynecologists and Obstetricians of Nepal and Germany, infertility, congenital deformities of the uterus, medical problems during pregnancy, excessive bleeding during postpartum were discussed. 

She said that there will be a discussion and presentation of work papers among experts on laparoscopic surgery related to Gynecological diseases, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and abnormal menstruation at the conference.