BAJHANG: A total of 56 birthing centres have been set up at different local levels in Bajhang district during the last four years.

All 11 local levels of the district have been providing services after establishing birthing centres in the areas which are far from the access of health services.

As informed, Thalara rural municipality and Bungal municipality have set up six each birthing centres while Surma, Chhabisapathaibhera, Masta rural municipality and Jayaprithvi municipality established three each.

Likewise, Saipal and Khaptadchhanna rural municipality established five each; Talkot and Durgathali rural municipality (seven each) and Bitthadchir rural municipality eight birthing centres to operate the services.

Kedarsyun rural municipality earlier had operated a birthing centre before it was transformed into a local level, shared vice-chairperson of the rural municipality, Nisha Dhami. According to the local levels, birthing centres were set up focusing on delivering service from nearby government units.

Number of delivery case at birthing centres has increased with the set up of such centres in villages. Sarita Dhami, a local of Chhabisapathibhera, said it was easier to receive birthing services after the establishment of such service points in villages.

“The needy people had to walk a three-hour distance to reach Lekgaun health post for service before the setup of birthing centre. Now we can reach the birthing centre in 20 minutes”. Local women have got a new life after the establishment of new birthing centres in own villages, Dhami added.