Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population has introduced the Birth Record Management System (BRMS) Procedure, 2083, establishing a uniform system for maintaining records of children born in health institutions. Under the procedure, participating health facilities will enter maternal and newborn details into BRMS, enabling systematic collection, storage and management of birth-related information and reducing dependence on fragmented paper-based records.
The system is designed to work with existing government platforms, including the Vital Event Registration and Social Protection Management Information System (VERSP-MIS) and the Health Management Information System (HMIS). The procedure provides for interoperability between systems and includes the use of a Unique Identification Number (UIN) for newborn records, while assigning responsibilities to federal, provincial and local governments as well as individual health institutions for implementation, monitoring, technical support and data management.
Health facilities will be able to generate a standardized Birth Record Certificate containing information such as the child’s birth date and time, sex, birth weight, type and process of delivery, and parental details. The procedure also includes dedicated forms for maternal and newborn information, correction of records and reporting. However, the hospital-issued birth record does not replace formal civil registration: the certificate itself instructs families to register the birth with the relevant rural municipality or municipality ward office within 35 days to obtain the official birth registration certificate.
The framework also establishes coordination and technical committees at federal and provincial levels and sets out responsibilities for local authorities and health facilities. The ministry may conduct technical and managerial audits of the system, while institutions are required to maintain secure system access, provide necessary staff and infrastructure, and ensure the accuracy and confidentiality of birth records.
