A 17-year-old girl from Kushe Rural Municipality-2, Jajarkot, was airlifted to Surkhet for further medical treatment after developing severe complications during childbirth. The rescue operation was carried out under the “Air Rescue Program for Pregnant and Postpartum Women,” which is managed by the Ministry of Women, Children, Senior Citizens and Social Security.
The teenager required urgent specialized care, prompting the use of a Nepal Army helicopter to transport her from Jajarkot to Surkhet. The program, part of the National Women Empowerment Project, aims to provide timely access to expert health services for pregnant and postpartum women in remote areas who face life-threatening risks.
The Ministry of Women, Children, Senior Citizens and Social Security operates the air rescue program to ensure the safety and secure motherhood of women in remote regions. This initiative is particularly crucial for women who are deprived of adequate healthcare access due to geographical challenges and limited services at local health facilities.
The “Air Rescue Program for Pregnant and Postpartum Women” has been in operation since the fiscal year 2018-19, under the broader President Women Upliftment Programme. Its primary goal is to mitigate potential risks by enabling women in remote areas to receive specialized medical attention without delay.
In the last fiscal year (2025/26), the government provided free air rescue services to 103 pregnant and postpartum women, demonstrating the program’s significant impact. The Air Rescue Procedure, 2020 (or 2077 BS), facilitates these emergency evacuations, streamlining the process for critical cases.
The successful airlift of the Jajarkot teenager underscores the program’s effectiveness and relevance for women in geographically challenging areas. The Ministry has stated its commitment to continuing the air rescue program for women in remote and disaster-affected regions, ensuring their access to essential medical care.
The specific hospital in Surkhet where the 17-year-old girl was admitted for treatment has not been disclosed. The exact nature of her “complicated childbirth problem” also remains unspecified.
