Improve Maternity Services
Summary
A poor Dalit woman gave birth on the roadside outside Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital in Rajbiraj after the hospital allegedly refused to admit her for inability to pay. The incident has triggered nationwide outrage, parliamentary criticism, and multiple investigations into Nepal’s maternity service delivery.
Key Points
- Babita Kumari Paswan was forced to deliver her baby on the pavement outside Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital in Rajbiraj after reportedly being denied admission for not being able to pay.
- The case has sparked nationwide criticism of Nepal’s health policy, free maternity services, and the gap between policy and practice.
- Lawmakers raised the issue in parliament, prompting the government to form a five-member committee and other authorities to launch separate inquiries.
- Six health workers on duty at the time of the incident have been suspended while investigators review CCTV footage and record statements.
