Run Birthing Centres

Nepal's commitment to the Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health (SMNH) Road Map 2030 is a significant stride towards the well-being of mothers and newborns. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this roadmap sets ambitious targets to drastically reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates. However, the news published in this daily about non-operational birthing centres in the remote villages of Bajura has cast a shadow on the nation's progress in achieving these crucial health goals. Nepal's dedication to the targets set by the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health is commendable. However, the non-functional birthing centres in Bajura remind us that commitments on paper must translate into tangible actions on the ground. Global goals can only be achieved with their implementation at the local level.

The birthing centres in Bajura are not just temporarily closed due to operational issues; their non-operational status reveals a deeper problem—it points to a systemic failure in the overall functioning of the healthcare system. The prolonged inactivity and lack of support for these facilities contradict with the very essence of the SMNH Road Map, raising concerns about the prioritisation of maternal and newborn health, especially in remote areas. Pregnant women enduring long journeys for medical assistance reveal a gap in healthcare accessibility, contradicting with Nepal's commitment to providing essential maternity services. Authorities' indifference to appeals from local residents is disheartening. Despite substantial investments, the birthing centres remain unused, leading to infrastructure deterioration. The excuse of a shortage of skilled manpower is not acceptable, given the critical nature of these facilities. This lack of responsiveness signifies a disconnect between the people's needs and the authorities' actions.

The provincial government must take immediate steps to activate and operate the non-functional birthing centers. Delays in providing essential maternal services are unacceptable, and prioritising the health and well-being of women in remote areas must become a top priority. Engaging the local community in decision-making processes is essential to understanding their specific needs and challenges. Involving them will lead to more effective and sustainable solutions, ensuring that the services are designed to meet the community's requirements. Achieving the shortage of skilled manpower can be done by implementing training programmes or collaborating with healthcare organisations. It is vital to ensuring that birthing centres have the necessary health manpower to operate effectively and sustainably. Establishing transparent mechanisms for monitoring the use of allocated funds and the progress of healthcare projects is crucial. 

Accountability at both provincial and local levels is necessary to prevent the recurrence of such situations. The non-operational state of birthing centres in Bajura is a serious issue that demands immediate attention and corrective action. To truly achieve the objectives set by the SMNH Road Map 2030, the authorities must align their actions with their commitments. Nepal's journey towards maternal and newborn health cannot afford delays or excuses. It's time to turn promises into actions and ensure that no mother in Bajura, or any remote area of the country, faces unnecessary challenges during childbirth. Lack of such facilities can be fatal in case of pregnancy and delivery complications. Time is running out, and the authority cannot delay taking action to ensure the health and well-being of mothers and newborns.