So near, yet so far: Pregnant women fear to visit crumbling health centre
Rachna Devi is one of the several women who are suffering because the health centre is in appalling condition. Photo credit: Video Volunteers
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Crumbling infrastructure and lack of toilets at health centre keeping pregnant women away from using it. See more http://bit.ly/1Sqd9wv
Pregnant women are fearing to visit the Telmuchu healthcare centre building in Baghmara block of Dhanbad district, Jharkhand.
The reason: crumbling infrastructure and lack of toilets.
Cracks on the roof, water dripping during rainy season, plaster on the walls falling off and no toilet or bathroom for expecting mothers – this is the reality faced by women in the region.
The ground report by Video Volunteer (VV) community correspondent, Bharti Kumari showcases the shortcoming and literal gaps in the health facilities.
This series on community monitoring of maternal health is supported by Oxfam India.
Rachna Devi is one of the several women who are suffering because the health centre is in appalling condition.
"Our health centre is in very poor condition and we cannot bring pregnant women here for deliveries. We need to take them to farther centres. There are no toilets or bathrooms here, the roof of the building is in terrible state, it leaks during rainy season and could fall anytime," said Rachna Devi.
India accounts for the highest (17%) pregnancy-related deaths worldwide. However, these deaths are entirely preventable.
Auxillary Nurse Midwife (ANM) at the health centre, Neeta Rai said: "We desperately need repairs in the building, construction of toilets and regular visits by doctors to this health centre."
Written by: Oxfam India staff
Video source: Video Volunteers