Gandaki province: The number of birthing centres in Gandaki Province has reached 364, significantly contributing to a decline in home deliveries across the region.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Chief of the Medical Service Division at the Ministry of Health in the province, Dr. Ramesh Kumar KC, reported that the number of childbirths occurring at home has decreased to fewer than 200 per year. The province currently has 18 hospitals offering delivery services with surgical capabilities, and 52 health facilities are equipped to handle critical deliveries. Delivery services are now available in all districts of the province, except for Manang.
Efforts to strengthen the healthcare system include a program run by the Ministry aimed at enhancing the skills of health workers and ensuring the availability of medical equipment. The province records approximately 24,000 births annually, with about 36,000 pregnancies in total. Of these, nearly 12,000 pregnancies result in abortions.
Dr. KC also highlighted that around 4,000 childbirths take place in major cities such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Palpa. The provincial government is focused on achieving ‘complete institutional delivery’ to eliminate home births. A recent demographic and health survey revealed that 89 percent of childbirths are now managed at health institutions. This improvement is attributed to the enhanced capabilities of birthing centres, increased public awareness, and the training and availability of medical personnel and equipment.