KUMJ | VOL. 23 | NO. 5 | ISSUE 93 | DECEMBER, 2026

Assessment of Facilities and Health Workers’ Readiness to Provide Quality Maternal and Child Health Services in Selected Rural Municipalities of Dolakha District
Chaulagain A, Bhatta B, Giri S, Adhikari HP, Devkota N

Abstract:
Background Nepal faces significant challenges even with improvements in health care accessibility in delivering quality maternal and child services especially in rural regions such as limited personnel, irregular service delivery, and inadequate supplies. This study aims to assess maternal and child health outcomes in rural Dolakha District by identifying barriers and disparities in maternal and child health care through facility and healthcare providers’ assessment. Objective To assess the facilities and health workforce readiness to provide quality maternal and child health services in selected Rural Municipalities of Dolakha district. Method An institutional based cross sectional descriptive study design was used to collect the data. Total 18 health institutes were taken from selected Rural Municipalities of Dolakha, district of Nepal. Data were gathered from 113 health personnel using minimum services standard (MSS) checklist as well as structured questionnaires. Total enumeration of the samples was done for data collection. SPSS 22 version was used to analyze the data and non-parametric tests were applied to assess the association of socio demographic characteristics and knowledge on maternal and child health (MCH) services. Result This study evaluated the quality of services across 18 health facilities, showing a wide range of MSS scores from 56% to 84%. Baiteshwor Hospital had the highest score, while Kavre and Ghangsukhathokar health posts had the lowest. Among the 17 health posts, Malu health post ranked highest at 79%. Significant differences were observed in age groups, with those aged 31–35 achieving the highest mean rank. Gender and work experience had minimal impact. Statistically significant disparities were found in the use of partographs, child health training, and technical assistance, highlighting the need for improved training and supervision to enhance service quality. Conclusion This study highlights gaps in healthcare delivery across rural facilities, including shortages in equipment, staffing, and medications. Despite quality improvement committees, infrastructure issues and poor implementation of quality actions hinder service quality. While Baiteshwor Hospital scored well, improvements are needed to enhance maternal and neonatal care and overall healthcare outcomes.
Keyword : Child health, Health facilities, Health workers, Maternal health, Readiness assessment