The Department of Health Services has expressed serious concern over an incident at Gajendra Narayan Singh Sagarmatha Hospital, Rajbiraj, where a pregnant woman who had arrived for delivery services reportedly gave birth to her newborn outside the hospital premises. The department said maternal and newborn health is a constitutional priority and stressed that no citizen should be deprived of emergency and essential healthcare because of financial condition, access problems or other barriers.

Following the incident, the department said it immediately coordinated with the agencies concerned and instructed them to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case. Information has been sought on the mother and newborn’s actual condition, services provided at the hospital, the response of health workers and available records. The department warned that any employee or institution found negligent or careless would face action under prevailing law, while hospital management has been directed to ensure maternity and emergency services are effective, accessible and humane.

The department said the mother and newborn are currently in normal health condition and assured full support if further treatment is required. It also reiterated that government hospitals covered by the Aama Suraksha Programme must provide maternity services free of charge, alongside applicable transport support and related benefits, and called for stronger ambulance coordination, timely referral and better public information so pregnant women can reach health facilities without delay.

The department further instructed all institutions operating under the maternal safety programme to remain fully sensitive to the health of mothers and babies and maintain quality, respectful services. It said negligence in such essential care would be unacceptable and could lead to action against those responsible.