The Bagmati provincial government is all set to launch a special health programme aimed at improving maternal and child health care in remote areas of the province.

The Ministry of Social Development said the programme will be launched in 14 wards of seven districts. The programme prioritises settlements in high altitudes where maternal and child health care remains neglected.

“We are going to launch the special health programme in impoverished settlements where maternal and child health care needs improvement,” said Satish Bista, chief at the health unit of the ministry. He claimed that 57,933 families will benefit from the programme.

According to the ministry, the two-year programme will be launched at the beginning of the new fiscal year. The ministry has allocated Rs 70 million for the programme.

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Under the health programme, the capacity of the local maternity service centre will be enhanced with round-the-clock service. Similarly, solar panels will be installed to setup air-conditioned rooms.

According to Bista, the government will also manage human resources, open laboratories and make provisions for free transportation for women who visit the centre for safe delivery.

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“We will provide all necessary physical and technical services along with nutritious food to save mothers and their new-borns,” said Bista, adding that the special health programme would be implemented in other wards in the future.

The provincial government has selected Ward No. 5 of Rubi Valley and Gangajamuna rural municipalities in Dhading district; Ward No. 4 of Myagang and Ward No. 1 of Kispang rural municipalities in Nuwakot for the programme. Likewise in Rasuwa, ward No. 2 of Uttargaya and Ward No. 5 of Naukunda rural municipalities have been selected. In Sindhupalchok, Ward No.3 of Panchpokhari and Ward No. 1 of Bhotekoshi have been shortlisted.

In Dolakha, the programme will be launched in Ward No 8. of Bigu and Ward No. 1 of Kalinchok rural municipalities. In Kavre, ward No. 2 of Khanikhola and Ward No. 5 of Mahabharat rural municipalities have picked. In Ramechhap, the special health programme will be launched in Ward No. 5 of Gokulganga and Ward No. 7 of Umakunda rural municipalities.