By Rajkumar Bhattarai , Khotang, Nov. 25: In a bid to address the pressing issue of uterine prolapse affecting women within the municipality, Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi in Khotang district has taken significant steps in providing free treatment to the patients.
Recently, the municipality initiated a programme offering free surgery and medical aid for women facing uterine health complications.
Mayor Tirtha Raj Bhattarai informed that 23 women residing within the municipality received free surgical procedures at Scheer Memorial Adventist Hospital, Banepa, Kavrepalanchowk.
The municipality arranged transportation facilities by reserving buses in two phases on November 18 and 19 to ferry the women to the hospital in Banepa, said Bhattarai.
Altogether 37 women with uterine prolapse reached the hospital for the treatment, he said.
According to Bhattarai, out of them, 23 women underwent surgery and 17 of them have already been discharged while six are still recovering.
Mayor Bhattarai said that 14 other women, who reached the hospital, received treatment through therapy.
Bhattarai said, “Though some women required surgery, they did not undergo the procedure due to various ailments, including lung and heart problems and high blood pressures, as diagnosed by the medical professionals.”
The municipality collaborated with the Samudayik Sewa Prathisthan, Nepal, to provide free treatment for women facing uterine prolapse.
According to him, an agreement was reached between the municipality and Pratisthan to provide free treatment to the women.
Under this agreement, the municipality is responsible for transporting the patients and their attendants to the hospital whereas the Pratisthan is responsible for covering all hospital expenses including food and accommodation for the patients and their attendants.
Similarly, a tripartite agreement reached between the municipality, Pratisthan and Scheer Memorial Adventist Hospital on Wednesday to provide free treatment to the women sent by the municipality for one year.
Mayor Bhattarai, director of the Pratisthan Mahadev Baniya and founder of the hospital Dr. Angela Basnet signed the agreement.
As per the agreement, the hospital will provide free of cost treatment to women referred by the municipality for a year, he said.
Additionally, 20 health workers sent by the municipality will be given specialised training to effectively identify uterine problems, Bhattarai added.
An expert team of 15 individuals equipped with necessary medical tools will visit Diktel between March and April and conduct educational sessions to inform girls studying in grades 9-12 about uterine health issues.
Mayor Bhattarai said the medical team sent by the municipality conducted a health camp in every ward of the municipality and identified 62 patients with uterine problems, who required surgery.
The municipality has decided to transfer patients in need of surgery to Scheer Memorial Adventist Hospital as their treatment couldn’t be done in the district.
However, due to illiteracy, some patients refused to visit the hospital, as they are shy of seeking treatment for uterus prolapse, said Khemraj Acharya, public health officer of the municipality.
Though the municipality managed to provide free surgery, many are reluctant to receive the service, he added.
“Patients experiencing uterus prolapse up to the first and second degree received treatment within the ward, involving the application of ring pressure on the uterus,” he said.
However, the women with severe problems classified as 3rd and 4th degree were transferred to Scheer Memorial Adventist Hospital for further treatment, he added.
Mayor Bhattarai said the municipality arranged free treatment for uterus prolapse because the problem was becoming critical in the municipality.
Lack of timely treatment has compelled the women to struggle with their illness for a lifetime, he added.
“Many women, particularly those aged above 60 years, who had been involved in the hard labour have been suffering from the ailment due to negligence during pregnancy and birth,” said Mayor Bhattarai.
The programme was introduced because not all women feel comfortable openly discussing the problem, which often leads to complications, he added.
According to Mayor Bhattarai, the approximate cost of treatment for a woman with uterine prolapse ranges between Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 75,000.TRN Online
