Nepal: Urban Health Center, Palpa
1,118 Children Receive Services: Q2 2018
July 11, 2018
Pragya Gautam
Summary of Activities
In 2016, Hospital Director Dr. Rachel Karrach approached RMF requesting our support to continue essential Community Health Department (CHD) programs for mothers and children under 5 years of age: the Mother & Child Health Clinic (town clinic), Satellite Mother & Child Health Clinic Program, and the Child Nutrition and Rehabilitation Center. RMF’s support has revitalized the CHD, which had been declining due to lack of funds. RMF continues to support the mother and child health clinics with human resources and administrative expenses.
The clinic charges a nominal registration fee, and all basic services, such as check-ups, immunizations, and counseling are free. More specialized procedures such as the insertion or removal of an implant or IUCD are provided at affordable rates. People visit the MCH clinic not only for the services it provides but also for the health education that is disseminated continuously, which helps prevent disease and promote good health for mothers and children.
Between April and June 2018, RMF was involved int the following activities at The Mother & Child Health Clinic (town clinic) and the satellite clinics in Argali and Darlamdanda:
- 856 patients received antenatal care (ANC) services, including 264 newly registered cases and 592 continuing ANC patients who came for their regular visits.
- 1,118 children under 5 years of age received services, including well visits and checkups for common illnesses. 744 children received immunizations, and 97.14% of under-5 patients were in good nutritional health.
- Family planning services also continued, and 153 women received various contraceptive methods.
- The satellite clinics in Argali and Darlamdanda continually offered once-a-month services, mainly to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under 5.
- 30 health sciences students visited the clinic for observation and to improve their immunization skills.
Full Report
Results &
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Caring for Children
Visits for 1,118 Children
Out of 1,118 children who visited the clinic during this quarter, 80.14% were well and healthy. The most common illnesses treated were diarrhea/vomiting (48 cases) and upper respiratory tract infections (39 cases).
As the staff provides teaching sessions and personal counseling to all clients, who often implement the teachings at their homes, the overall nutritional status of under-5 children was good. 1,086 (97.14%) of the children were found to have a well-maintained nutritional status.
Child Immunization Program
Parents are Well-Educated
MCH clinic staff efficiently provides adequate counseling for child immunizations. Each mother who brings her child in for immunization is educated about the importance and purpose of each vaccine and possible side effects as well as informed about the time of the child’s next vaccination. Mothers generally follow the immunization instructions intently, which has led to good immunization coverage among patients.
Serving Rural Antenatal Populations
2 Satellite Clinics Available
Due to the high demand for antenatal care in distant rural areas, the MCH clinic in Tansen has extended its ANC program via 2 satellite clinics that are run once a month in the Argali and Darlamdanda VDCs (village development committees) of Palpa District. The satellite clinics are more accessible to many pregnant women who would otherwise have to travel long distances for their ANC checkups.
Antenatal Care
Visits and Counseling Provided
During this quarter, 264 newly pregnant patients visited the MCH clinic and the satellite clinics, and 592 women came for regular ANC visits. These routine ANC visits have been encouraged by the MCH clinic staff who believe that health services are incomplete without proper explanation and counseling. The women are grateful to the staff for providing quality health services with friendliness, responsibility, and respect.
Contraceptive Services
Ample Counseling Provided
At the MCH clinics, temporary contraceptive services are provided, including oral contraceptive pills (OCP), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA/Depo-Provera), progesterone implants, intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs), and condoms. Long-term contraception is provided through implants and IUCDs. They also provide ample counseling so that women are well aware of the benefits and possible adverse effects of respective birth control methods.
Health Promotion
PMTCT Counseling and Health Education
The MCH clinics also provide counseling regarding the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) to HIV-positive and vulnerable families. This service is regarded as one of the most vital of the MCH clinics.
This quarter, 157 women received PMTCT counseling, and 1,847 people received health education on different topics. As a result, 27 children were referred to a higher center for proper diagnosis and treatment, and 16 pregnant women were also referred.
Background
& Objectives
Background
From June 2016 to July 2018, In June 2016, RMF partnered with United Mission Hospital Tansen’s Community Health Department (CHD) by supporting 3 essential programs for mothers and children under 5 years of age with human resources and administrative expenses.
In 2018, RMF shifted its focus to establishing a new health center in Chyuripokhara village, Tansen municipality, Palpa. RMF Urban Health center offers high quality health services for free, as well as low-cost medicines.
Objectives
- To improve the health status of Palpa residents
- To provide high quality free health services
- To remain alert to the needs of the Palpa community
- To collaborate efficiently with Tansen municipality
More Reports on: Urban Health Center, Palpa Archive
Country Page: Nepal
Initiative Page: Urban Health Center, Palpa