The newly constructed Lamtada Birthing Centre
In Darugaun, Khaptadchhanna, West Nepal, the Lamtada Birthing Centre has been completed and is preparing to open its doors, bringing essential maternal healthcare closer to home for women and families in the surrounding community.
The new five-room facility replaces an outdated, cramped building that no longer provided a safe environment for childbirth. Once officially opened, it will help women access skilled care during childbirth, alongside essential antenatal and postnatal services.
Designed around community needs
The new Lamtada Birthing Centre is expected to directly support 528 women of reproductive age, with a further 1,526 people across the surrounding wards benefitting indirectly through improved access to a stronger and better equipped health facility.
Accessibility has been a major factor in the design process, with entry ramps, wide doorways and accessible toilet facilities fitted with supportive handrails. These features will help make the facility universally accessible to cater to people with different mobility needs.
Community involvement has been central to the project's success. To ensure the centre reflects local needs, the Birthing Centre Construction Committee and health facility leadership met eight times to oversee progress. The committee included representatives from local government, women, people with disabilities and people from Dalit communities.
Demonstrating strong local ownership and a firm commitment to maternal health, the Khaptadchhanna local government funded a quarter of the total project budget.
Construction progressed steadily from initial site preparation and foundation excavation to structural completion, including stone masonry, reinforced columns, compressed stabilised earth brick (also known as eco-bricks) walls and roofing. Key supporting infrastructure, including retaining walls, drainage systems, a septic tank, soak pit, and a separate toilet block, were also built alongside the main facility.
With the main structure complete, work moved to interior and exterior finishes, including plastering, tiling, ceiling installation, electrical and plumbing work and door and window fitting. Throughout the process, the project was monitored jointly by Action for Nepal, Build up Nepal, the construction committee and health post staff.
Building local skills sustainably
The birthing centre was built by local masons using eco-bricks, creating opportunities to develop construction skills within the community. Sixteen local masons, including two women, completed hands-on training in eco-brick production and sustainable construction techniques.
Made from locally sourced materials, eco-bricks provide a durable, earthquake-resilient and more sustainable alternative to traditional fired bricks. Beyond this build, the training equips the community with specialised expertise that can be applied to future construction projects in the area.
For Madhusudan Gautam, an engineer with Build up Nepal, the community’s involvement has been an important part of the project.
“The active involvement of local people in the construction of the birthing centre and the strong interest shown by stakeholders reflect a shared commitment to improving maternal health in the area. I believe this birthing centre will provide safer and more accessible maternal health services and contribute to the well-being of the community.”
A partnership for better maternal healthcare
Developed through a partnership between the Australian Himalayan Foundation, Action for Nepal and Build up Nepal, the Lamtada Birthing Centre demonstrates what can be achieved when local knowledge, community participation and shared investment come together.
In late November the centre will be handed over to the Khaptadchhanna local government, ensuring local ownership and sustainability for its ongoing operation.
For local women and families, the new facility represents a vital step toward safer childbirth and accessible, dignified maternal healthcare close to home.
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