Saptari childbirth on street outside hospital raises questions over Nepal’s free maternity care
Summary
A woman gave birth on a pavement outside Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital in Rajbiraj after her family could not afford investigation fees, raising fresh questions about Nepal’s free maternity-care system. The incident has triggered public outrage, an investigation and criticism of gaps between policy and emergency care in state hospitals.
Key Points
- Babita Kumari Paswan delivered a baby boy on a pavement outside Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital after her husband could not pay Rs3,200 for tests.
- The incident has sparked outrage, prompted a probe and led the hospital to suspend six people, including Dr Usha Dev, until the investigation is complete.
- Health experts say the case exposes confusion over whether laboratory tests before delivery are covered under Nepal’s free maternity-care system.
- Officials say the Safe Motherhood Programme covers delivery services, but not all pre-delivery tests, leaving poor families vulnerable in emergencies.
