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Pregnancy and childbirth are normal physiological phenomena, and almost every woman goes through this process of pregnancy and childbirth at least once in her lifetime. However, there are many adversities like abortion, maternal or fetal disability, and even maternal death, fetal loss, or both that lead to the termination of a pregnancy. Each pregnancy is considered at risk and associated with complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. But it is difficult to predict them. Maternal mortality and disability are remarkably high in Nepal, as pregnancy and childbirth are not taken as major events in one's life that demand proper devotion and efforts; rather, they are perceived as biological phenomena only (WHO, 2006). In Nepal, pregnancy and delivery are viewed as a natural process, requiring no health care intervention.
In recent years, pregnant women have been going to health institutions for proper checkup. The Nepali government has set up birthing centers at different health post. But ironically, lack of proper health equipment and competent health personnel it has made it very challenging for the normal delivery of a baby. Most of them lack even a simple ultrasound machine to check the condition of the baby inside the womb. In recent times, complications of the baby inside the womb have increases which lead to abnormalities of the babies and sometimes to death to babies and mothers. Ultrasound facilities are critical during the pregnancy. Only a few health institutions in Nepal have quality ultrasound facilities that provide reliable service.
The current infant mortality rate for Nepal in 2023 is 23.375 deaths per 1000 live births. But the statistic also showed most of the dead occurred at rural part of Nepal where access to quality health services is very much limited. Pregnant women get basic checkup and get iron capsule in rural health center but they don't get ultrasound service which is very crucial during pregnancy to avoid pregnancy complication. Ultrasound service is limited to big hospitals which are very expensive and rural pregnant women cannot afford it due to their low income situation. And also it is very hard to go urban or city hospital as there is hardly good public transport and road is very dangerous too.
Rural Ultrasound Program is very crucial for the pregnant women living in rural areas of Nepal. In this program portable Black & white ultrasound is provided to the primary health care center where there is birthing center facility. And 21 days training from Nepal Government for the SBA (Skilled birth attendant) trained medical staff. This will help the medical staff working in the health center to provide the ultrasound service to the much needed pregnant women.
Kavrepalanchok District is one of the 77 districts of Nepal with an area of 1,396 km2 (539 sq mi). According to the 2021 national census data, the total population is 364,039 with male population is 49.1% and female population is 50.9%. The literacy rate of this district is 75.7 %. This project is intended for the 8 following health center with birthing center of rural wards of Kavre district that needed the ultrasound service badly for pregnant women and other purposes as well.
Chamranbeshi Health Center (Bethanchowk ward no 1 )
Dhunkharka Health Center (Bethanchowk ward no 2 )
Ryale Health Center (Panauti ward no 1)
Bhumidada Health Center (Panauti ward no 12)
Deupur Health Center (Mandandeupur ward no 1)
Baluwapatti Health Center (Mandandeupur ward no 2)
Saphing Health Center (Bhumlu ward no 1)
Bheksimle Health Center (Bhumlu ward no 3)
The main objectives of the project are:
1. Improved Access to Diagnostic Services: Increase access to essential diagnostic imaging services in underserved rural communities, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to urban centers for ultrasound examinations, especially for the pregnant women.
2. Early Detection of Medical Conditions: Enable early detection and diagnosis of various medical conditions, including prenatal complications, abdominal issues, musculoskeletal injuries, and other health concerns prevalent in rural populations.
3. Enhanced Prenatal Care: Improve prenatal care by enabling healthcare providers to monitor fetal health and development, thereby reducing maternal and infant mortality rates through timely interventions.
4. Empowerment of Healthcare Providers: Provide healthcare workers with the tools and training necessary to perform basic ultrasound examinations, empowering them to make informed clinical decisions and improve patient management.
This project will benefit more than 4000 pregnant women from 8 birthing center of rural wards of Kavre district, Nepal.
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