Pregnant women in Badghis Province face numerous challenges that hinder access to essential healthcare services. This province, located in western Afghanistan, stands as one of the regions with heightened vulnerability concerning healthcare and medical services.
Many healthcare centers in Badghis are devoid of the necessary equipment and lack experienced specialists. The deficiency of hospitals and maternity facilities, particularly in remote areas, serves as a critical limitation to the services available to pregnant women.
Razia, one of the pregnant women in Badghis, states that in the absence of female doctors in their area, the lack of facilities and medications has exacerbated the patients’ struggles.
“We are grappling with numerous difficulties; my child is seven months along, and I am deeply anxious about the impending birth, as there are no resources available here. We are compelled to seek care elsewhere, such as hospitals in Herat Province, which we cannot afford. Furthermore, when we notice the absence of a female doctor, we are reluctant to take our patients to the doctor, or we find ourselves forced to travel to the city centers.”
Pregnant women, due to their geographical location and the difficult access to healthcare centers, are unable to readily avail themselves of health services. In many instances, they are compelled to traverse long distances, which can pose additional risks to the health of both mother and infant.
Shukria one of the mothers who lost her child during childbirth due to the lack of essential healthcare services and the absence of female doctors.
“There is a health center here, but it lacks sufficient facilities. When I was in labor, I experienced excruciating pain and we had to travel to Herat Province. By the time we reached the hospital, my child had already been lost. If there had been a female doctor, a midwife, or even adequate resources here, perhaps my child would still be alive today.”
Pregnant women, due to their geographical location and the difficult access to healthcare centers, are unable to readily avail themselves of health services. In many instances, they are compelled to traverse long distances, which can pose additional risks to the health of both mother and infant.
Shukria is one of the mothers who lost her child during childbirth due to the lack of essential healthcare services and the absence of female doctors.
“There is a health center here, but it lacks sufficient facilities. When I was in labor, I experienced excruciating pain and we had to travel to Herat Province. By the time we reached the hospital, my child had already been lost. If there had been a female doctor, a midwife, or even adequate resources here, perhaps my child would still be alive today.”
One of the primary reasons for maternal and infant mortality during childbirth is the scarcity of medical personnel and the provision of healthcare services for pregnant women in remote and rural areas. Additionally, the lack of access to essential education regarding the stages of pregnancy and childbirth presents one of the most significant challenges, leaving many mothers without adequate information about necessary prenatal care.
The limited access of pregnant mothers to healthcare services in Badghis Province, Afghanistan urgently requires attention and serious intervention. By strengthening infrastructure, providing necessary healthcare services, offering essential training, and eliminating cultural barriers, it is possible to enhance the health status of mothers and infants in this region.
- نویسنده : Afghanistan Women News Agency
- منبع خبر : Afghanistan Women News Agency
