'Save Motherhood Campaign' provides free cervical, breast cancer screening to 469 women in Morang

KATHMANDU: The 'Save Motherhood Campaign' concluded on Wednesday last week after a three-day outreach that provided free cervical and breast cancer screening and gynaecological consultations to 469 women.

Organised by Kalpa Empower Women Nepal and held from June 22, the campaign offered VIA cervical cancer screening, clinical breast examinations and ultrasonography at the Basic Health Centre in Mrigauliya, Sundarharaicha-2, and at a final camp in Indrapur, Sundarharaicha-12.

Daily turnout at the camps was 131 women on the first day, 138 on the second and 200 on the final day. Health screenings identified four women with suspected signs of cancer; they were referred to Birat Cancer Institute for further diagnostic evaluation and treatment. A 15% discount on treatment costs was arranged for referred patients.

The initiative followed a corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnership signed between Kalpa Empower Women Nepal and Nepal Bank on June 3, 2026. Organisers held public information drives, screened educational video messages, coordinated with local government, delivered school health education and distributed informational materials across the community.

Koshi Province’s Minister for Health, Man Bahadur Limbu, inaugurated the event at the Basic Health Centre in Mrigauliya and underlined the importance of collaboration among government bodies, the private sector and civil society in expanding quality health-care services and raising public awareness.

Pooja Koirala, president of Kalpa Empower Women Nepal, said bringing essential women’s healthcare into communities is crucial and that early screening greatly increases the chances of detecting cervical cancer at a treatable stage. Madan Krishna Saiju, manager at Nepal Bank, said the bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that create social impact through its CSR programmes. Bibish Pradhan, ward chairperson of Sundarharaicha-2, welcomed the campaign for making specialised services more accessible to local women.

The closing ceremony, held in Indrapur, was attended by Prakash Pahari, provincial head of Nepal Bank; Ishwor Gurung, senior public relations officer of Birat Cancer Institute; Sanjay Sahu, Nepal Bank’s Biratchowk branch manager; local elected representatives, health-care professionals and other stakeholders.

At the closing event, Koirala said the campaign had initially targeted 300 women but ultimately reached 469, calling the turnout a significant milestone that expanded access to care and raised awareness of cervical and breast cancer and reproductive health. Prakash Pahari said Nepal Bank was proud to support community health through its CSR work, and Ishwor Gurung noted that early detection is one of the most effective ways to improve cancer treatment outcomes and that community screening camps help reach women with limited access to specialised care.

Local partners included Sundarharaicha Municipality wards 2 and 12, the Basic Health Centres, Indrapur Jaycees and Mechi Mahakali Buhari Sanyukta Aawaz. WOW Magazine Nepal served as media partner, Kenzal Films and Arvan Edit as video partners, and Creatix Partner provided graphics support. Birat Cancer Institute acted as the campaign’s technical partner, with financial backing from Nepal Bank under its CSR programme.