Lack of medical access forces Bajura woman to deliver baby on road

By Santoshi Rawal, Bajura, Nov.1: Mothers in Bajura are still forced to give birth on the road due to geographical remoteness and lack of quality healthcare services.

Statistics from the last four years alone show that dozens of mothers have died and many have given birth on the road.

Due to the lack of adequate health services, obstetric education, and counseling, women here have to give birth in similar risky conditions every year.

This is not an isolated example - such incidents have been repeated throughout the year in all nine local levels of Bajura.

Sirjana KC of Simalkot,  Budhiganga Municipality -7, Bajura, represents the current scenario. Sirjana gave birth to her child on the way to the health facility.

The grave distance to the health post and lack of timely assistance forced the expecting mother, KC, to give birth on the way to the health post. 

Binita Bista, an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) from Simalkot Health Center, reached the spot immediately after receiving the news; however, Sirjana had already given birth.

 “We reached as soon as we received the news, but Sirjana had already given birth,” said Anami Bista. According to her, after the management of the umbilical cord, her condition appeared normal, and she was sent home after being checked.

The condition of both mother and child is said to be normal at present. Two other mothers have also given birth on the road in Budhiganga this year alone.

Although health services are somewhat better than in other municipalities, this problem has not yet been eliminated.

Women here are at risk due to factors such as distance from health facilities, lack of regular prenatal checkups, lack of nutritious food, and geographical difficulties.

According to the Health Office Bajura, two to three women give birth on the road every month. 

Although the government's 'Maternity Air Rescue Program' is in operation, it has not shown enough impact.