Baluchistan: Strengthening Basic Health Units to Prevent Rural Maternity Wards from Becoming Death Traps
Quetta, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Aug, 2026)
Jamal Uddin Malikyar still vividly remembers the tragic day his family rushed a pregnant woman to a health facility, hoping for medical intervention. Instead, their journey ended in sorrow. His 34-year-old cousin's brother Aminullah's wife had delivered three healthy children through normal deliveries. However, during her fourth pregnancy in 2022, they encountered an issue that remains prevalent for rural women in Baluchistan: the nearest basic health facility was accessible, but there were no medical staff skilled in childbirth.
The family initially took her to the Basic Health Unit (BHU) Malikyar, located just three kilometers from their home. Yet, there was no doctor present. With limited options, they embarked on a journey to another BHU, Dub Khanzai, approximately 14 kilometers away. Tragically, Aminullah's wife passed away en route before reaching the facility.
For Jamal Uddin, this wasn't just a personal loss; it served as a stark reminder that having a health center in a village doesn't guarantee easy access to healthcare. He further highlights that the BHU Malikyar was also severely impacted by the August 26, 2022 floods, making travel even more challenging for residents seeking medical attention outside their area.
Despite the BHU's current functionality, Jamal Uddin notes that crucial positions, such as those of a female doctor and Lady Health Visitor (LHV), remain unfilled. As a result, women in need of maternity care often have to travel to Dub Khanzai.
Jamal Uddin expresses hope about the recent announcement of new posts, which could finally bring an LHV to the Malikyar BHU. He believes that proper staffing will prevent other families from experiencing similar losses. According to him, families in his area typically take maternity cases either to the District Headquarters Hospital (around 12 kilometers away) or the BHU Dub Khanzai (14 kilometers away).
Private doctors charge between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000 per case, making it an unaffordable option for many poor families. Despite his cousin’s brother’s wife's previous successful deliveries, there was no reason to anticipate such a different outcome.
Baluchistan faces the highest maternal mortality burden in Pakistan. The Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey 2019 reveals that Baluchistan has the highest maternal mortality ratio, with 298 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
Recognizing this staggering statistic, the provincial health department is committed to reducing the maternal mortality ratio from 298 to 200 per 100,000 live births.