A story of Reproductive Health Problem of Ramkali

No disease can be averted by neglecting it. For women, timely health check-ups and treatment are paramount. The longer the delay, the more severe health complications can become. These days, Ramkali Yadav is sharing this insight with fellow women. Approaching her 80s, she advocates for addressing the intricate challenges that arise in women's health. Like many women in the Terai region, Ramkali endured uterine prolapse for 12 years. She intermittently sought treatment and even experimented with a vaginal pessary. However, finding a viable solution for her condition proved challenging. A resident of Ward No. 3 in Madhavnarayan Municipality, Rautahat District, Ramkali's family had initially considered surgery for her. Unfortunately, surgery wasn't an option at that time. She relied on a vaginal pessary for several years. Despite the necessity for regular cleaning, consistent maintenance proved difficult, exacerbating her health concerns.

 

After confiding in Niruta Yadav, a provider of rural health services in Madhavnarayan Municipality, Rautahat, Ramkali's journey towards treatment began. This meeting laid the groundwork for her healthcare. Through the Women's Health and System Strengthening Project, a collaboration between ADRA Nepal and BWSN, Ramkali was introduced to a new vaginal pessary that significantly improved her situation. Typically, a vaginal pessary lasts 3 to 4 years. However, Ramkali hadn't replaced hers for a remarkable 12 years. Healthcare professionals also educated her on the importance of pessary use and associated precautions. Given her advanced age, surgical intervention was not a viable option.

 

Ramkali is well aware of many women who have undergone surgeries after attending health check-ups. She shares her own rejuvenating experience with the organization's support. "Caring for one's health prevents illnesses. It's beneficial for women to undergo health check-ups and seek prompt treatment. Ignoring a problem only exacerbates health complications."

 

Ramkali's story transcends her individual experience. As health service provider Niruta Yadav explains, many women afflicted by conditions like uterine prolapse have benefited from this program. Working collaboratively with health institutions in Madhavnarayan Municipality of Rautahat, Durgabhagawati Rural Municipality, and Paroha Municipality areas, the program addresses problems related to uterine prolapse, conducts cancer screenings for rehabilitation center residents, and tackles issues of gender-based violence and other social concerns at the community level. Around 50 cases are treated within a year from these villages, and approximately 2,000 women have undergone health check-ups in the camps