Chimkhola health post: Improved infrastructure, no additional services

KATHMANDU: The infrastructure at Myagdi, Raghuganga Rural Municipality-7 Chimkhola has undergone a significant transformation following the construction of a new health post building.

The modern facility has made it easier for both the public to access services and health workers to conduct medical tests.

However, while the infrastructure has improved, the range of services provided by the health post has not expanded.

Although the newly constructed building has started delivering services, users have raised concerns about the lack of additional services they were expecting.

Chimkhola’s health volunteer, Duttkumari Pun, highlighted that the absence of a birthing center at the health post has left women and newborns vulnerable.

She said, “Without a birthing center at the health post, some women are forced to give birth unsafely at home. While a room for the birthing center has been built, the service is not operational. Immediate arrangements for necessary equipment and medicines should be made to start the birthing center.”

Birthing center services have also yet to start in other health posts in Raghuganga’s wards 1 (Beg), 4 (Dagnam), and 8 (Kuinemangle).

However, the head of the rural municipality’s health section, Tikabahadur Shahi, stated that efforts are underway to meet the required standards and launch the birthing center in Chimkhola.

He added that the municipality already has trained staff for the birthing center and is working on purchasing the necessary equipment to begin operations. Once operational, these health posts will provide 24-hour safe delivery services.

Despite having the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and personnel, the health office has yet to grant permission to operate the birthing center, though the rural municipality has indicated its readiness to launch the service.

Raghuganga Rural Municipality Chair Bhavbahadur Bhandari emphasized the municipality’s commitment to expanding healthcare access in remote areas.

He noted that in addition to health posts, the municipality is establishing community health units in scattered, remote villages to ensure citizens have access to essential healthcare services.

Currently, the municipality operates eight health posts and seven community health units.

There are plans to set up additional community health units in Collegebhang of Ward 3 and Namila of Ward 7.