Women in Bajura Still Forced to Give Birth on the Road

Bajura : Despite ongoing campaigns by government and non-governmental organizations to promote safe childbirth, pregnant women in rural areas of Bajura continue to face situations where they have to give birth before reaching a health facility.

The latest example is 26-year-old Kamala Bogati of Khaptad Chhededaha Rural Municipality–4. On Tuesday, she gave birth to a baby boy on the roadside above Falasain Bazaar in Budhiganga Municipality–6 while returning home.

After locals informed health workers that Kamala was experiencing labor pain on the road, a medical team reached the site. The health workers conducted the delivery there and managed the placenta and umbilical cord before taking the mother and newborn to a health post. Both are reportedly in normal condition.

According to health workers, Kamala had been receiving regular antenatal checkups at a health facility. However, due to a traditional belief that giving birth at her maternal home could anger the gods, she chose to return home instead of going to a health facility even after labor had begun. She gave birth on the road at around 3 p.m. while traveling home from her maternal family.

Such incidents are not new in Bajura. Since Asar this year alone, at least five women have reportedly given birth on the way to health facilities. In Saun, Kamala Budha of Gaumul gave birth on the road due to the lack of a proper road, Sauri Budha of Swamikartik Khapar gave birth inside a cave because the health facility was far away, and Anita Mahatara delivered her baby on a stretcher while being taken to a health facility.

According to the District Health Office, 1,222 women received delivery services at health facilities last year, while 33 women gave birth at home.

Health workers say difficult geography, road disruptions during the monsoon, lack of regular transportation, long distances to health facilities and persistent traditional beliefs in some areas are contributing to such incidents.

Health officials say ensuring safe childbirth requires regular antenatal care, arrangements for pregnant women to reach health facilities before labor, and improvements in transportation and health infrastructure.

Photo: Google