Would-be mothers at the receiving end

PRAKASH SINGH

BAJURA: Deuki Nepali of Jugada, Majhigaun, is seven-month pregnant. She has been suffering due to the shortage of medicine in the District Hospital, Bajura. Protracted strike in the far-west has compelled her to lie in the hospital bed struggling between life and death.

Senior Assistant Health Worker Deepak Shah said that Deuki’s hand and feet have been swelling and her respiration has increased. “Her treatment was not possible here and we have suggested taking her elsewhere,” he said, adding, “But due to strike she could not go to other hospital as well.”

Her husband Binod has been worried as his wife’s health condition is deteriorating day by day. “There is no ambulance in the hospital, if we call from Dhangadi then it would charge Rs 20,000. We do not have that much amount,” said he. He lamented, “My wife would die,” adding, “There is no government and no leaders for poor people like us.” Bajura District Hospital has been dependent on the health workers as there is no doctor now.

Some days ago, a pregnant lady of Kuldevmandau died due to the shortage of treatment. Daily household materials along the medicine shortage have hit the district due to strike.

Locals have been suffering immeasurably as they could not contact with their relatives due to the shortage of recharge cards. They could not get daily need goods as well.

Martadi traders said that the goods shortage has hit the local markets like Betalmandau, Martadi, Kolti Tipada along others. Daily wage workers have also been suffering a lot due to the continuous strike.

Meanwhile, Team Hospital in Dadeldhura headquarters Baghkhor has faced the shortage of oxygen and drug due to the bandh.

Medicine shortage has been witnessed in the Dadeldhura District Hospital, Primary Health Centre and other health posts, said senior public health officer Bal Bahadur Mahat.