A New Horizon of Model Urban PHC Clinics (Aalo Clinics) Project, UNICEF
A Milestone of Safe Motherhood in Midwifery-led 24/7 Aalo Normal Vaginal Delivery (NVD) Center
"I never imagined that I would get safe institutional delivery at my doorstep," said Shilpi Begum, a 35-year-old homemaker from the bustling neighborhood of Dhalpur in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) area, Dhaka.
Shilpi’s journey to motherhood took an exciting turn in March 2024 when she discovered her fourth pregnancy during a domiciliary visit from an Aalo Clinic community volunteer. The pregnancy was later confirmed in the clinic laboratory. The volunteer not only registered her but also informed her about the clinic's newly established normal delivery services and motivated her to undergo antenatal care (ANC). This early connection became a lifeline, ensuring she received proper ANC from the Dhalpur Aalo Clinic. Shilpi attended four ANC visits at the clinic, where doctors closely monitored her health and that of her unborn child. Each visit boosted her confidence in the clinic’s compassionate and professional care. Her husband, Md. Rasel, a rickshaw puller with limited resources, supported her every step of the way, motivated by the Aalo volunteer.
As her pregnancy progressed, financial constraints became a significant concern. A nearby healthcare facility quoted 6,000 Taka for a normal delivery—an unaffordable sum for her family. Fortunately, the recently inaugurated Aalo Clinic delivery facility offered a viable alternative, providing accessible and free care without any financial hardship.
On November 30, 2024, Shilpi was admitted to Aalo Clinic as her labor pains began. Under the close observation of midwives, her labor progressed uneventfully, and she delivered a healthy baby girl! Her smile revealed her deep contentment.
Aalo Clinic stands out by providing completely cost-free, comprehensive services, including doctor consultations, investigations, delivery services, and medicine distribution. This is particularly significant for urban families like Shilpi’s, who face insurmountable financial barriers. Shilpi faced significant challenges during her earlier pregnancies, including the lack of nearby facilities and unaffordability, leading her to deliver her first two children at home despite the risks. Her third delivery, at a distant Mugda Medical College and Hospital, incurred substantial expenses but still lacked follow-up care. In contrast, her fourth baby, delivered completely cost-free at Aalo Clinic, received immediate postpartum care, and her newborn was enrolled for growth-monitoring support.
Shilpi attributes her safe delivery to the dedicated team at Aalo Clinic, supported by UNICEF and the Sweden Embassy in Bangladesh, which ensured a healthy start for her family through a comprehensive approach to maternal and newborn health. Shilpi’s story is a testament to the critical role of Urban Primary Health Care initiatives by Aalo Clinic, highlighting the transformative impact of accessible healthcare for deprived urban communities.
