Chhewang Diki Lima

Chhewang Diki Lima is a 40 year old mother of eight, living in the Prok village of Gorkha. Chhewang and her eighth child birth provides a moving story that highlights the importance of PHASE’s health work in Nepal’s isolated villages. On Chhewang’s due date, she began to experience excruciating labour pains; Chhewang feared for her life, as her only hope was the support of PHASE health workers who travelled from village to village to provide emergency delivery services. She waited the whole day for the PHASE emergency delivery services to become available, there were no other options in near-by villages. She had no idea when they might arrive, or if they would arrive at all. However, PHASE emergency workers – Deepa and Anjana – did make it to Chhewang’s home, and successfully aided the delivery of Chhewang’s child. However, shortly after birth Chhewang began to show signs of a blood clot in her womb, instantly recognised by the PHASE Health workers. With no option for referral, the Deepa and Anjana had to provide treatment with the equipment they had. Deepa and Anjana were able to successfully remove the blood clot and stop Chhewang’s bleeding. Chhewang began to feel herself again as time passed, and she was able hold her healthy child tight in her arms. Here are Chhewang’s own words on reflection of the experience:

“I know PHASE Nepal has been working in our village for two years. I used to consult with the PHASE health workers when any of my family got sick. This time, I was pregnant because I had missed the chance to use family planning and because of that I almost died. As you know our village is very remote and scattered; we are poor and our daily household chores keep us busy every day till late at night, so we are not able to take care of our own health. We don’t have a big hospital here or enough money to fly to the city for treatment in an emergency. PHASE is the only one who cares for us. I do not know; I would be buried or in heaven if there were no PHASE sisters! I thank Deepa and Anjana a thousand times for their tireless support and dedication. I swear I will never forget either of them.”

Chhewang now shares her experience of child birth with her friends and family, raising the awareness in her community to the importance of healthcare support during pregnancy. PHASE continues to provide a 24 hour emergency service for deliveries and complicated pregnancies. PHASE directly provides a healthcare service that many woman in Prok, like Chhewang, cannot receive any other way. Expanding these services and reaching more isolated communities is vital, as for many this service can save lives.