At least 12 pregnant mothers in Banke have died either during childbirth or in their postnatal period in the six months of the running fiscal year, as per the record of the District Public Health Office (DPHO). 

Doctors said most of the deaths were caused by anaemia and postpartum infections. Sarita Chand, a nurse at the DPHO, said a majority of the deceased women were from Madhesi and Muslim communities from Holiya, Betahani and Jayaspur. 

“In rural areas, pregnant women don’t visit health institutions for a regular medical check-up. Some of them died as they could not receive medical attention on time,”said Chand. 

Family planning officer Basanta Gaire said many pregnant mothers, particularly from the Muslim and Madhesi communities, were dying because they were still bound by the traditional practice of giving birth at home without the presence of health professionals. 

“Delayed medical intervention and lack of regular health check-up are causing various health complications among pregnant mothers and leading to maternal deaths,” he said, adding that 22 pregnant mothers had lost their lives in the last fiscal year.

To reduce maternal mortality rate, the DPHO has started a safe motherhood campaign in Banke in partnership with the District Development Committee and the District Women and Children Office.

The DPHO is just three months into its campaign of saving the lives of pregnant mothers. So far, it has prepared a namelist of pregnant mothers from every VDC and asked them to visit their nearest health facilities regularly for health check-up.

“The pregnant mothers have been told to visit their nearest health facilities regularly for health check-ups and for medical counselling and treatment,” said District Public Health Officer Khim Bahadur Khadka.