FAMILY-PLANNING IN PALPA DISTRICT, NEPAL

The objective was to assess the structure of the current family planning service in Palpa district, Nepal. Recommendations for improvement are provided on the basis of the findings. A medical elective appointment was granted at the United Mission Hospital, Tansen. Each component of the service was visited and the providers interviewed. Outside the setting of the mission hospital, visits were made to the community health project, community district medical office, government hospital and health posts. Post partum family planning at the mission hospital was investigated A patient questionnaire was used. The sample size was 50. The results are mostly qualitative by nature of the study and are incorporated into the discussion. The distribution of temporary methods of family planning amongst the health posts was variable. Permanent methods are important and in same areas 76 per cent of couples using family planning do so by a permanent method. The community health project has had a significant impact on family planning uptake. The questionnaire sampled a select population. Access to the hospital restricts use. Awareness of family planning increases after admission for delivery. There is a preference for permanent methods of family planning. The service involves government and non-government organisations. The government is responsible for supplies. Liaison between these groups is poor. Information given to women post partum is insufficient.