Birth Waiting Home in remote Shillai hospital boon for expecting mothers

A unique initiative by the Health Department has brought a sigh of relief to pregnant women in the Trans-Giri area’s remote Shillai region of Sirmaur district. The recently inaugurated Birth Waiting Home at Shillai Government Civil Hospital is proving to be a blessing for expecting mothers, ensuring safe deliveries and addressing the challenges posed by the region’s rugged terrain. Within a month of its operation, the facility has welcomed 33 newborns, showcasing its growing importance in the community.

The facility, introduced few months back, aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and encourage institutional deliveries. Sirmaur, known for its difficult terrain and lack of road connectivity in several villages, has long struggled with timely access to medical facilities. This often forced many pregnant women to opt for home deliveries, which pose significant risks to both mother and child.

Dr Ajay Pathak, Chief Medical Officer of Sirmaur, highlighted the critical role of this initiative, stating, “Reaching a hospital in time is a challenge for many pregnant women in remote areas. The Birth Waiting Home bridges this gap, offering them a safe space close to the hospital, ensuring timely medical care.”

The Birth Waiting Home at Shillai Government Hospital provides free accommodation and care to pregnant women a month before their expected delivery dates. The Health Department bears all expenses, including meals and care for an accompanying family member. Equipped with five beds, the facility ensures comprehensive care during the crucial pre-delivery period.

The Health Department data indicates that 5-8% of deliveries in Sirmaur still take place at home due to accessibility issues. Transporting a pregnant woman from a remote village during labour is often a daunting task, sometimes involving carrying patients on makeshift stretchers over challenging terrains. Such scenarios risk both maternal and infant health.

One of the facility’s beneficiaries shared her experience, saying, “I stayed at the Birth Waiting Home for 10 days before my delivery. The care and support I received here made all the difference. It felt reassuring to be close to a hospital.”

The initiative is also seen as a step towards lowering maternal and infant mortality rates in the district. Institutional deliveries, coupled with proper pre- and post-natal care, significantly reduce complications. The department is optimistic that this effort will encourage more families from remote areas to opt for hospital deliveries.

Dr Pathak emphasised: “This facility ensures that pregnant women remain under medical supervision in the critical days leading to their delivery. It also helps overcome challenges like the lack of ambulance services in certain areas. Such initiatives are vital in boosting institutional deliveries and safeguarding the health of both mother and child.”

The Health Department has urged families in remote areas of Sirmaur to take advantage of the facility. “Timely admission to the Birth Waiting Home can prevent potential complications and ensure a safe delivery,” added Dr Pathak. The department also plans to scale up such facilities if the initiative continues to receive a positive response.

By providing safe spaces for pregnant women, the Birth Waiting Home at Shillai not only ensures healthier outcomes but also instills confidence among rural communities in government healthcare services. This innovative step by the Himachal Pradesh Health Department is a beacon of hope for improving maternal and child health in the state’s most inaccessible areas.