In Jumla, many pregnant women in remote areas are compelled to give birth at home with the help of health volunteers due to the absence of nearby healthcare facilities providing maternity services. Women from the highlands of Guthichaur, Patarasi, Tila, and Kanakasundari rural municipalities have voiced their concerns over their limited access to essential maternity care.

Last year, Debu Budha, a resident of Lekhpor in ward 4 of Kanakasundari, gave birth at home because she had to trek three hours to reach the nearest birthing centre.

Although the government offers free routine check-ups and delivery services to pregnant women, many women in remote areas do not benefit from these services.

Two years ago, Panasa Budha from the same village experienced severe labour pains. As her family carried her to a birthing centre in a bamboo basket, it became clear that she might give birth on the way, prompting them to decide on a home delivery. Consequently, she faced complications during childbirth.

Local women have expressed their frustration, with some being compelled to give birth along the roadside due to insufficient transport options.

“There is awareness of the need for institutional deliveries, but geographical challenges and a lack of transport leave us no choice but to give birth at home,” said Panasa. “The nearby healthcare facility offers no maternity services, and we cannot reach the birthing centres that are far away. We are risking our lives by giving birth at home.”

According to the health division of Kanakasundari rural municipality, Lekhpor village records 20-22 deliveries each year. The lack of accessible health facilities forces women to opt for risky home deliveries, despite government efforts to enhance maternal health.

Local Rami Budha said that while safe motherhood initiatives are frequently raised during elections, they often fall by the wayside once leaders are elected. She expressed frustration over the absence of tangible solutions, stating, “Women in rural areas continue to face the same challenges. We are gambling with our lives, as we remain unable to access essential health services.”

The lack of road access to their village prevents ambulances from reaching residents, and the absence of suitable stretchers makes it difficult to transport sick individuals or postpartum women. During the cold winter months, while men travel to the Terai for business, women face significant risks as they give birth.

“Officials often claim in speeches that all government health services have reached rural areas. However, in reality, patients and postpartum women suffer due to a lack of services in the village,” said local Parbati Budha.

While the government asserts its goal of reducing the home delivery rate to zero by providing financial support for prenatal check-ups and transportation costs for institutional deliveries, many women in Lekhpor remain deprived of these services. The prevalence of early marriages and early births further exacerbates health risks for mothers and their newborns.

Community members are calling for the establishment of a nearby birthing centre to ensure safe deliveries.

Chhaya Gharti, assistant coordinator of the health division of Kanakasundari Rural Municipality, acknowledged the need for a birthing centre in the village.

She said the municipality offers ambulance services for pregnant women and operates five birthing centres within its jurisdiction. However, women from the village still lack access to these essential services.