Yangchu Bagar, Humla
KHARPUNATH COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

During our visit in 2017 to the rural community of Kharpunath in Humla District, we found that there was neither a suitable health station for the medical care of the population nor a birth center. The mother-child mortality rate was very high, as it was common for women to give birth in a stable. For this reason, Chay Ya began working with the Kharpunath community to plan a health post and birthing center with the goal of serving the 6,011 residents of Kharpunath.

In April 2018, the construction process began with the official laying of the foundation stone. The design and cost estimate were approved by the community. This was followed by the formation of the Health Center Management Committee. Likewise, the construction area was cleared, and the foundation was excavated. After the building materials were procured and transported to the construction site, the work progressed very quickly! In the summer (temperatures above zero degrees), additional cement could be used for the pouring of the supporting bands to make the building even more stable and thus provide more earthquake resistance.

After only one year, the entire construction was completed! Men’s and women’s toilets were built on the ground floor next to the delivery room, a solar hot water system was installed, and necessary medical equipment and medicines were given to the health clinic. In June 2019, the Kharpunath Community Health Center was officially inaugurated with a special ceremony.

The facility is enjoying great popularity, as this is the first time in the entire district that there is the possibility of overnight and 24-hour care for patients. This health center also serves as an official health department for the entire rural community, for example, for vaccinations of children or also as an information center for obstetrics.

The health post has three inpatient units, each with a bed for deliveries and emergency services. In addition, there is a pharmacy for free supply of medicines. Services include free provision of prenatal and postnatal health care, family planning services, training in first aid, health and hygiene with special emphasis on mothers and children, emergency care, and medical wound care.

Sustainability: medicines were supplied by Chay Ya for one year, since then they have been provided by the community. All other follow-up costs, such as the salaries of the five health post staff, are also covered by the Nepalese government. This project is a particular success, as the government not only financed 20% of the construction costs as stipulated in the contract, but also extended the building by an entire floor, which underlines the importance of the health center.
The local population as well as the entire Chay Ya team are happy about such a successful project and the rapid construction phase!