Nepal: Urban Health Center, Palpa
New Health Center Opens: Q1 2019
April 11, 2019
Ganesh Shrestha
Summary of Activities
In July 2018, RMF changed its focus from supporting the Mother and Child Health Program to the establishment of the new clinic in Palpa. In response, the RMF Nepal team made monitoring visits to Chyuripokhara in order to assess the needs of the community, interact with the local people, and meet with the mayor of Tansen municipality as well as other community leaders.
After the conclusion of the assessment and meetings, the RMF Nepal team proposed to run the clinic and requested approval from RMF headquarters. Once Dr. Martina Fuchs, CEO of RMF, approved the proposal, the RMF Nepal team began the process of establishing the clinic. The new clinic was officially opened for services in January of 2019.
On January 22, 2019, the mayor of Tansen municipality and the chairperson of the health center management committee inaugurated RMF Urban Health Center in Chyuripokhara. A free health camp was also conducted on that day.
RMF Urban Health Center served 328 patients from its OPD, from its opening day to the end of March 2019, among whom 214 were female (65.2 %) and 114 were male (34.8 %). 4 pregnant women were served with antenatal care (ANC) services, and 5 women received family planning services. Growth monitoring of 22 children was done in March, and all of the children were found to be of normal weight. Similarly, 4 pregnant women received iron tablets, 4 children received multiple micronutrient powder (MNP), and a total of 14 children and 3 pregnant women were immunized in the same month.
Although the center opened its OPD on January 22, three other services were started in March 2019: the National Immunization Program, the Safe Motherhood/Family Planning Program, and the Nutrition Program.
Full Report
Results &
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Inauguration of RMF Health Center
Many Guests in Attendance
Prior to the institution of the Health Center, many rounds of meetings were held, and a management committee was formed. A team of 3 health workers was also recruited.
After thorough preparation, RMF Urban Health Center was inaugurated on January 22, 2019. Many guests including elected representatives, community leaders, representatives from local governmental and non-governmental organizations, journalists, etc. were present, in addition to hundreds of community members.
A free health camp was also conducted on the same day, from which 207 patients benefited.
Initiation of New Programs
Immunization Services
RMF Urban Health Center started immunizing children and pregnant women in March of 2019. A total of 14 children and 3 pregnant women were immunized during this month. RMF Urban Health Center provides immunization services on the 10th day of each Nepali month.
Nutrition Services
RMF Urban Health Center also provides growth monitoring to children under 5 years of age. The center also provides them with multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs). In March 2019, the center monitored the growth of 22 children, all of whom were found to be of normal weight. 4 pregnant women received iron tablets, and 4 children received MNP powder.
Safe Motherhood/Family Planning Program
Supporting Women’s Health
RMF Urban Health Center started a safe motherhood/family planning program in March of 2019. The center currently offers antenatal (ANC) services which include counseling and the distribution of iron supplements and albendazole tablets.
Additionally, the center provides various temporary family planning methods, such as condoms, Depo-Provera, and oral pills. This March, 4 pregnant women received ANC services, and 5 women received family planning services.
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
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Photos
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Numbers
Served
Patients Assessed and Treated
Quarterly Total
328 Patients Served
Success
Stories
Pratima, 3
Treated for Vomiting and Diarrhea
Pratima was brought to the RMF clinic with multiple episodes of loose stools. On arrival, she was weak and lethargic. She had already vomited thrice that day and could not drink the oral rehydration solution (ORS). When the RMF health officer examined her, her pulse was weak and rapid. She was given oral antibiotics and ORS and asked to return if the condition does not improve or worsens.
Swagat Chidi, 6
Treated for Fever
Swagat had a fever at night for 2 days as well as a cough, vomiting, and headache. He was brought to the RMF health center, and on examination, his temperature found to be 101°F. The health center manager provisionally diagnosed him with enteric fever and gave him antibiotics and paracetamol. On follow up after 1 week, he was doing well.
Riya Sunar, 9
Treated for Ear Infection
Riya attended RMF Urban Health Center with the complaint of ear tenderness. When the RMF health officer checked it, the ear was swelling and discharging pus. This was otitis media, an ear infection. She was treated with ibuprofen and Nowax ear drops, and a course of antibiotics also was given. She was advised to keep the ear dry. Now, she is well.
Pranipa Saru, 13 months
Treated for Pneumonia
Pranipa was brought to the RMF Urban Health Center with a fever, cough, and rapid breathing. On examination, her respiratory rate was 52 breaths per minute, which confirmed that she had pneumonia according to Community Based Integrated Management of Childhood and Neonatal Illnesses (CBIMNCI) protocol, which is followed by all health centers in Nepal for diagnosis and management of childhood illnesses and uniformity of treatment.
She was given antibiotics to treat her pneumonia and antipyretics for her fever. Her mother was counseled about medicine preparation, dosage, and duration to comply with the necessary treatment. She was also informed about possible complications and advised to take Pranipa back to the clinic or to a higher center for further management if she does not respond to the antibiotics.
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