Lumbini Province Launches 'Safe Motherhood Campaign' to Curb Maternal and Neonatal Mortality

Rupandehi. The Lumbini Province government has initiated a special campaign called the 'Safe Motherhood Campaign' targeting the reduction of maternal and newborn mortality rates. The Provincial Government's Ministry of Health today unveiled the concept framework for the campaign after interacting with local level representatives, health workers, and other stakeholders from Rupandehi and Nawalparasi. The Ministry aims to further enhance the campaign's effectiveness by incorporating suggestions gathered from stakeholders.

The program, attended by officials from various local levels, concluded with a decision to move forward with an integrated approach encompassing free laboratory and USG testing, promotion of respectful care, and local-level monitoring.

Challenges in Service Continuity

According to the Lumbini Province Ministry of Health, Antenatal Care (ANC) coverage in the province has reached 82 percent, and institutional deliveries stand at 87 percent. However, Postnatal Care (PNC) remains limited to 66 percent, signaling a challenge in the continuity of services, it was stated. Public data shows that in the fiscal year 2081/82, there were 79,536 institutional deliveries, while 714 home deliveries occurred.

Furthermore, while 48 out of 109 local levels achieved zero home deliveries, the persistence of home deliveries in 61 local levels indicates that more work is needed on both access and behavioral change, according to the Ministry. Statistics showing the province's total fertility rate at 3.6 suggest the need for more intensive efforts in maternal-newborn health services.

Four Packages for Free Testing

To address the challenges in service delivery, the Ministry has introduced various package programs categorized as Package A, B (One), B (Two), and C, corresponding to different stages of pregnancy. Arrangements have been made to provide testing free of charge through local health institutions or designated referral hospitals as per the specified criteria, mentioned Ishwari KC, Senior Nursing Administrator at the Ministry of Health.

The Ministry has arranged for tests such as CBC, RBS, Urine RME, Creatinine, SGOT, SGPT, TSH, Blood Group, HBsAg, VDRL, and further necessary tests, including ASG at the District Hospital.

A system has been established where the first pregnancy check-up must be done within 12 weeks, an additional check-up ensured between 20-24 weeks, and in case of complications, referral is made only to designated district-level government referral hospitals. A referral slip from the local health institution is mandatory for this referral process.

Respectful Care: The Core of Quality

Provincial Health Minister Khem Bahadur Saru stated that the campaign emphasizes not only increasing access but also ensuring that services are respectful, confidential, and non-discriminatory. Minister Saru highlighted that evidence-based treatment, an effective referral system, use of data, sensitive communication, emotional support, skilled manpower, and supportive infrastructure are put forward as the main pillars of quality service.

The Ministry stated that the decline observed in some indicators over the last three years has been taken seriously, necessitating special intervention. However, Minister Saru mentioned that attention is being paid to managing manpower and other tasks to improve the situation.

The program has been systematically organized in coordination with legal provisions, including the constitutional right to health, women's right to safe motherhood, and the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act, 2075.

The program was attended by Provincial Health Secretary Durgalaxmi Shrestha and senior officials including heads of various departments. It was mentioned that the Basic Health Service Monitoring Committee would be activated in every local level under the Safe Motherhood Campaign.

The Ministry announced that women who ensure 100% completion of prescribed check-ups for registered pregnancies will receive a monthly incentive of NPR 2,000.

A clear process has been set for claiming payment quarterly, including test bills, copies of the maternal-newborn health card, and referral documents, which is expected to increase transparency and accountability.

During the program, Uma Kant Chapagain, Chief of the District Coordination Committee Rupandehi, Dhruv Kharel, Mayor of Devdaha Municipality, and Kalpana Harijan, Mayor of Lumbini Cultural Municipality, among others, wished success for the campaign.

On the occasion, Senior Nursing Administrator KC from the Ministry, along with Shankuk Bhatt and Dan Bahadur Khadka regarding the World Health Organization monitoring framework, presented special concepts supported by various data.