A Safe Place to Wait: A New Maternity Waiting Home in Dolpa

Dolpa, Nepal’s largest district by area, is known for its breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, remote villages, and strong cultural traditions. It is also one of the most geographically challenging areas in the country, making access to maternal healthcare a complex and often dangerous journey.

For years, One Heart Worldwide has worked to change this reality by upgrading health posts, training providers, and improving access to quality maternal and newborn care in Dolpa. While our work initially led to an exit from the district after local needs were addressed, we re-entered Dolpa in 2022 following a reevaluation of those local needs in partnership with the local government and communities. This year, we are once again preparing to exit the district, having helped re-strengthen local systems and infrastructure.

The latest result of this renewed effort is the construction of a new Maternity Waiting Home in Dunai, completed in December 2024.

Located near Dolpa District Hospital, the Maternity Waiting Home offers a safe and dignified space for pregnant women who travel long distances to access care. The facility was made possible through the collaboration of One Heart Worldwide, the Health Service Office, the District Hospital Construction Committee, and our implementing partner in Dolpa, the Women Empowerment Center. 

The Maternity Waiting Home includes two bedrooms, a kitchen, a toilet and bathroom, a storeroom, and a heating system to keep mothers warm in Dolpa’s cold climate. It was designed to meet the needs of pregnant women who face financial and cultural barriers to finding accommodation near the hospital.

Community Voices from the Field

Rana Bahadur Karki, Project Advisor of the Women Empowerment Center in Dolpa

Rana Bahadur Karki, Project Advisor of the Women Empowerment Center, shared:

“The Maternity Waiting Home has provided a shelter for the pregnant mother, who can’t afford the hotel costs for their accommodation while traveling to District Hospital, Dunai, Dolpa, for their newborn baby delivery. There, they can stay the night in a comfortable bed with a warm quilt covering. They can also cook their food by bringing the ingredients to use in the equipped kitchen of the Maternity Waiting Home. Before, when they couldn’t afford the hotels, the pregnant mother and their family had to stay in herds while traveling to District Hospital for treatment due to cultural and religious beliefs and rituals of cleanliness when a baby is born. Obtaining an accommodation reservation is extremely challenging in Dolpa.

The Maternity Waiting Home is very crucial. The locals and district officials are very happy with the construction of a beautiful and well-equipped Maternity Waiting Home. The locals have arranged to draft the Code of Conduct for the proper use and maintenance of the MWH, and certain security deposits will be taken from the service receiver and a focal person is assigned to take care of and manage the MWH.”

Kamal Bahadur Shahi, Chairperson of the Hospital Development Committee, added:

“Why is Maternity Waiting Home essential? The District Hospital, one of the health facilities, is located a considerable distance away, and it’s challenging to seek shelter and accommodation for 10–15 days for medical maternity services due to untouchability and cultural and ritual beliefs after delivery. The Maternity Waiting Home is crucial for remote mothers who are not economically well-off.

I am very pleased to share that the Maternity Waiting Home in Dolpa has been constructed, and I am proud to have led the team in its construction. I appreciate the support and effort from all parties involved in its construction. As a result of this construction, more beneficiaries can now seek medical care and services from the nearby Dolpa District Hospital.

Further, we have worked to budget forecast to Karnali Provincial Government for the budgeting in the sector of maternal and neonatal health.”

Dr. Akhanda Upadhaya, Medical Officer at Dolpa District Hospital, explained:

“It’s difficult to rent the room for accommodation nearby to the District Hospital, due to the cultural belief to clean the house and rooms through rituals and sacrifice a goat, which is costly for the family of pregnant mothers. The idea and plan for constructing the Maternity Waiting Home were initiated in 2022. Palika funding wasn’t sufficient; it was initiated to seek funding from the Provincial government, as well as some from the Hospital Development Committee, and primarily from One Heart Worldwide. In December 2024, construction was completed, with service delivery and operationalization currently underway. I would like to express my gratitude to One Heart Worldwide, Women Empowerment Center, Health Service, and Hospital Development Committee for the support and contribution to build the facilities as most needed in Dolpa.”

As of early 2025, two mothers have already utilized the Maternity Waiting Home and delivered their babies safely, with an average stay of five days. As more women become aware of the facility, it is expected to serve many more in the months ahead.

This project is another example of how community-driven partnerships can bridge the gap between remote geography and life-saving care. One Heart Worldwide remains committed to supporting health systems until they are self-sustaining and able to serve every mother and newborn with dignity and safety.