Pokhara : The Gandaki province has given priority to aerial rescue efforts to address complex health issues concerning women in labour pain. In the current fiscal year, the province ministry of social development earlier endorsed a work procedure towards that end and allocated two million rupees for the same.

Last week, an expectant mother with neurological and kidney problems caused by high blood pressure was sent to Kathmandu from the Manipal Hospital via an air ambulance, said ministry’s information office and senior health education officer Prakash Raj Sharma.

Though the ministry lacks an official data to estimate that how many women do need such facilities, it has been believed that expectant mothers of highlands in Manang, Mustang, Gorkha, Myagdi, Lamjung, Parbat and Baglung are in the high need of air ambulance services during emergency.

The ministry plans to set up birthing centers at all ward levels in all districts under the province. Budget of Rs 19.9 million has been released to set up such facilities, as the government wants to promote the maternal health. RSS