SATV, Kathmandu, July. 27 - The government’s air rescue service for pregnant women and new mothers facing life-threatening complications in remote areas has become a lifesaving support for mothers and newborns.

Under the programme, women experiencing high-risk pregnancies or childbirth complications, along with critically ill newborns, are airlifted by helicopter to better-equipped hospitals for emergency treatment.

Samir KC of Chaurjahari Municipality-7 said the service had become a vital lifeline for poor families living in remote areas.

His wife, Roshana Oli, was airlifted on July 3 after developing life-threatening complications during childbirth, saving both her life and that of their baby.

KC said the government stood by his family during the most difficult and painful moment of their lives.

According to him, Chaurjahari Hospital referred Roshana to a better-equipped hospital after she suffered severe bleeding and complications caused by the placenta obstructing the birth canal. 

She was immediately flown by helicopter to Karnali Province Hospital in Surkhet, where emergency surgery saved both mother and child.

Nandakala Roka of Musikot Municipality-14 also described the air rescue programme as a blessing for mothers and newborns.

Her 19-year-old sister, Sushila Roka, was airlifted after developing serious complications during childbirth. 

She had been admitted to Salle District Hospital on June 4, where she gave birth to twins. The babies were underweight and suffering from oxygen deficiency, while Sushila experienced excessive bleeding after undergoing a premature caesarean section. 

The emergency helicopter rescue helped save the lives of both the mother and her two babies.

During the fiscal year 2025/26, a total of 18 women from Rukum West were rescued under the programme. All received timely treatment after being transported to referral hospitals.

Chief District Officer Nishan Raj Gautam said the air rescue service had proved highly effective in saving the lives of mothers and newborns in remote areas with limited road access and emergency healthcare facilities.

The programme was launched by the government in fiscal year 2018/19 under the President Women Upliftment Programme and has been operating since last year under the National Women’s Empowerment Project.

The scheme provides free helicopter evacuation for women experiencing severe childbirth complications, including excessive bleeding and other life-threatening conditions where delays in reaching a health facility could prove fatal. Critically ill newborns are also covered.

The government has implemented the programme fully in 19 districts and partially in 29 districts across the country.

According to the District Administration Office, the 18 air rescues carried out in Rukum West during the last fiscal year included three women from Aathbiskot Municipality, two from Chaurjahari Municipality, six from Musikot Municipality, two from Triveni Rural Municipality, two from Sanibheri Rural Municipality, two from Banphikot Rural Municipality and one from Sisne Rural Municipality in neighbouring Rukum East.

The service is provided based on recommendations from the local government, hospitals and the District Administration Office. 

Rescue operations are carried out by helicopters operated by the Nepal Army, transporting patients to the nearest well-equipped hospital.