September 16, Kathmandu.
The Ministry of Health and Food Security has sent drafts prepared for the amendment of five laws related to the health sector to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs for legal procedures.
The Ministry has initiated the process of amending five laws related to the health sector, including the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act, 2075.
Among these, the draft amendment to the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act proposes providing at least 6 months of paid maternity leave for mothers and up to 42 days of paid paternity care leave for fathers.
The proposed amendment has made provisions to increase maternity leave from the currently existing 98 days to up to 6 months. Similarly, legal provisions have also been proposed for the arrangement of skilled healthcare workers or trained midwifery personnel in healthcare institutions providing maternity services, respectful maternity services, and to prevent physical or mental violence against pregnant and postpartum women.
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Minister of Health and Food Security, Nisha Mehta, stated that the mindset of viewing motherhood solely as a woman’s responsibility must change, and fathers’ participation in parenthood must be ensured.
“Giving birth is a natural process linked to the mother, but raising a child is not solely the mother’s responsibility. Creating an environment where parents can give sufficient time to the newborn and family during the special time of motherhood and fatherhood, which comes a limited number of times in life, is also the responsibility of the state,” Minister Mehta said.
The Ministry stated that it has proceeded with the amendment to make the legal provisions related to safe motherhood timely and relevant, noting the changing family structures, lifestyles, and the health needs of mothers and newborns.
The Ministry had previously sought opinions and suggestions from stakeholders by making the draft bill public. Now, after the completion of the necessary legal procedures by the Ministry of Law, the relevant bills will be presented to the Cabinet.
For More: Maternity Paternity Leave Proposal
