Tehrathum, Aug 8: The suspension of cesarean section (C-section) services at Tehrathum District Hospital has caused serious difficulties for expectant mothers, with those requiring surgical delivery being forced to travel to Dharan, Biratnagar and other cities in the Terai.

The C-section service has remained suspended since mid-July due to a shortage of medical personnel required to conduct the procedures.

Nirmala Shrestha of Piple, Myanglung-4, was brought to the hospital on Saturday morning after experiencing labour pain. Doctors advised a C-section after determining that a normal delivery was unlikely to be safe. She was subsequently referred to BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) in Dharan, according to her husband, Suren Shrestha.

Suren said transporting his wife to Dharan had created both financial and physical challenges for the family. They had to hire an electric vehicle for Rs 10,000 and spent around six hours travelling to Dharan.

“It was extremely difficult for the family. The additional travel also increases the risk for the patient,” he said.

Similarly, Phulmaya Karki of Simle, Phedap Rural Municipality-1, said she had to travel to Dharan after her expected delivery date had passed and she required a C-section.

She said travelling from the hills to the hotter Terai region was physically uncomfortable and placed an additional financial burden on families. She urged authorities to restore the service at the district hospital at the earliest.

According to the hospital administration, C-section services had been available at the hospital for around a decade with support from the Nick Simons Institute. The organization had provided a six-member medical team consisting of an MDGP doctor, medical officer, staff nurse, health assistant, biomedical technician and anesthesia assistant.

However, the service was discontinued after the Institute’s project ended, leaving the hospital without adequate human resources, said hospital information officer Mahendra Kumari Khadka.

The hospital previously provided maternity services to around 30–35 women every month. Since the suspension of C-section services, the number has dropped sharply to about 5 or 6 cases per month.

Hospital officials say many expectant mothers are now reluctant to choose the facility because of concerns that they may have to undertake a five- to six-hour journey to Dharan or the Terai if a C-section becomes necessary.

The hospital recorded 44 C-section cases during fiscal year 2082/83 BS (2025/26).

Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Khadka Lal Payangu Limbu said the hospital has requested the Province Ministry of Health to provide an MDGP doctor. Preparations are also underway to arrange anesthesia personnel using the hospital’s development fund in an effort to resume C-section services.

The hospital provides maternity services not only to women from Tehrathum but also to residents of Madi and Mulkharka in neighbouring Sankhuwasabha district.