After the health post's building collapsed in the devastating earthquake, the health workers at the center have been providing services from tents. But it has inconvenienced many patients who feel hesitant to openly discuss their health issues.
"Some pregnant women feel shy to discuss their pregnancy and show their belly in the presence of others," said KC. She said that a lot of patients prefer to keep their health complications private.According to KC, health complications in pregnant women can be prevented if detected early. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum of four antenatal care visits as doctors can minimize risks by detecting warning signs at various stages of pregnancy.
While Nepal has already bagged Millennium Development Goal (MDG) award for significantly reducing Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and under-five Mortality Rate (U-5MR), health experts warn years of achievements, gained by the relentless efforts of various stakeholders, could see a reversal if current conditions are allowed to prevail.
The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) informed that over 700 health facilities, including five district hospitals, were destroyed in the devastating earthquake. The ministry said that all the health facilities have been told to continue providing services from tents.
"We expect more home births as many health centers are not in a condition to provide services," Dr Silu Aryal, the focal person for the Safe Motherhood Program under the Family Health Division (FHD).
Dr Aryal informed that the government will instruct health posts and hospitals to carry out delivery services from tents if their buildings are damaged. "The situation is precarious as there is no proper place for delivery either at home or the health facilities," added Dr Aryal.
She informed that the FHD has been trying to establish contacts with the health workers to inquire about the problems they have been facing. "The country succeeded in reducing maternal and child mortality after spending millions of rupees and many years of efforts. We shouldn't let the earthquake spoil the achievements," Dr Aryal said.
People living with HIV are equally uncomfortable to discuss their health issues in the presence of others because of the entrenched social stigma. "Teenaged boys and girls may not find conducive environment to discuss their adolescent problems in a makeshift settings where there is no privacy," said Jagat Nepali, a health worker at the Aalapot Health post Kathmandu, adding, "Privacy matters to all. No one wants to reveal their health complications in front of others."
Likewise, there is also the chance of spread of diseases when patients suffering from highly infectious disease such as Tuberculosis are treated in tents.
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