Comprehensive Health Insights 2024: Provincial Health Facts of Nepal

Overview

Nepal, a country of diverse landscapes and cultures, faces unique health challenges across its seven provinces. Each region, from the bustling urban centers of Bagmati to the remote terrains of Karnali, showcases distinct health trends, demographics, and resource allocations.

This article delves into Provincial Health Facts for 2024, providing detailed insights into key indicators such as life expectancy, maternal and child health, nutrition, and healthcare workforce. With data sourced from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), and other reputable national reports, we highlight disparities and progress in healthcare delivery.

From the highest life expectancy in Gandaki (73 years) to alarming malnutrition rates in Karnali, this comprehensive post captures the state of health in Nepal today. Each province’s factsheet includes geographic, socioeconomic, and demographic contexts to offer a holistic understanding of its health status.

By analyzing these provincial health disparities, the blog aims to inform public health stakeholders, policymakers, and citizens about areas requiring urgent attention and investment, paving the way for equitable health outcomes across Nepal.

Koshi Province:

Geography and Socioeconomic Status
- Encompasses diverse terrains: Terai plains, hills, and mountainous regions, including Mount Kanchenjunga.
- Economy: Predominantly agricultural, with significant tea and cardamom production; emerging industrial activities in urban centers like Biratnagar.
- Socioeconomic Indicators: Literacy rate at 75%; poverty rate around 19%.
Demographics
- Population: Approximately 5.5 million.
- Urbanization: 40%, with major cities including Biratnagar, Itahari, and Dharan.
Health Indicators
- Life Expectancy: 70 years.
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): 120 per 100,000 live births.
- Stunting in Children Under 5: 25%.
- Immunization Coverage: 90%.
- Doctor-to-Population Ratio: 1:2,500.

Madhesh Province

Geography and Socioeconomic Status
- Located entirely in the Terai plains, characterized by fertile agricultural land.
- Economy: Agriculture-driven, with significant cross-border trade with India.
- Socioeconomic Indicators: Literacy rate at 63%; higher poverty levels compared to national average.
Demographics
- Population: Approximately 6 million.
- Urbanization: 30%, with major towns including Janakpur and Birgunj.
Health Indicators
- Life Expectancy: 66 years.
- MMR: 140 per 100,000 live births.
- Stunting in Children Under 5: 32%.
- Immunization Coverage: 82%.
- Doctor-to-Population Ratio: 1:3,000.

Bagmati Province

Geography and Socioeconomic Status
- Includes the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal’s political and economic hub.
- Economy: Diverse, with sectors like tourism, trade, and services.
- Socioeconomic Indicators: Highest literacy rate at 81%; lower poverty rates.
Demographics
- Population: Approximately 6.2 million.
- Urbanization: 70%, with major cities including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.
Health Indicators
- Life Expectancy: 72 years.
- MMR: 90 per 100,000 live births.
- Stunting in Children Under 5: 20%.
- Immunization Coverage: 95%.
- Doctor-to-Population Ratio: 1:1,800.

Gandaki Province

Geography and Socioeconomic Status
- Mountainous terrain, including parts of the Annapurna range.
- Economy: Tourism-centric, with popular destinations like Pokhara.
- Socioeconomic Indicators: Literacy rate at 78%; moderate poverty levels.
Demographics
- Population: Approximately 2.4 million.
- Urbanization: 40%, with Pokhara as the major city.
Health Indicators
- Life Expectancy: 73 years.
- MMR: 110 per 100,000 live births.
- Stunting in Children Under 5: 24%.
- Immunization Coverage: 93%.
- Doctor-to-Population Ratio: 1:2,200.

Lumbini Province

Geography and Socioeconomic Status
- Comprises Terai plains and mid-hills; includes Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
- Economy: Agriculture and tourism are key sectors.
- Socioeconomic Indicators: Literacy rate at 70%; poverty rate around 25%.
Demographics
- Population: Approximately 5 million.
- Urbanization: 35%, with major cities including Butwal and Bhairahawa.
Health Indicators
- Life Expectancy: 67 years.
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): 120 per 100,000 live births.
- Stunting in Children Under 5: 28%.
- Immunization Coverage: 88%.
- Doctor-to-Population Ratio: 1:2,700.

Karnali Province

Geography and Socioeconomic Status
- Located in the remote mountainous region of Nepal, with rugged terrain and limited accessibility.
- Economy: Subsistence farming and remittances dominate.
- Socioeconomic Indicators: Lowest literacy rate at 60%; highest poverty rate (~39%).
Demographics
- Population: Approximately 1.7 million.
- Urbanization: Only 20%, the lowest among provinces.
Health Indicators
- Life Expectancy: 64 years.
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): 180 per 100,000 live births.
- Stunting in Children Under 5: 39%.
- Immunization Coverage: 70%.
- Doctor-to-Population Ratio: 1:4,000.

Sudurpaschim Province

Geography and Socioeconomic Status
- Westernmost province, characterized by hills, mountains, and plains.
- Economy: Primarily agricultural with seasonal labor migration to India.
- Socioeconomic Indicators: Literacy rate at 62%; poverty rate ~35%.
Demographics
- Population: Approximately 3.5 million.
- Urbanization: 25%, with limited infrastructure.
Health Indicators
- Life Expectancy: 65 years.
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): 170 per 100,000 live births.
- Stunting in Children Under 5: 33%.
- Immunization Coverage: 76%.
- Doctor-to-Population Ratio: 1:3,500.

Summary and Key Insights

Life Expectancy: Ranges from 64 years in Karnali to 73 years in Gandaki, reflecting disparities in healthcare access.
Maternal Health: Maternal mortality is highest in Karnali (180/100,000) and lowest in Bagmati (90/100,000), underscoring regional differences.
Child Nutrition: Stunting is most prevalent in Karnali (39%) and least in Bagmati (20%), correlating with food insecurity and poverty levels.
Healthcare Workforce: Provinces like Bagmati have better doctor-to-population ratios (1:1,800), whereas Karnali struggles with 1:4,000.

Comparative summary table

Indicator/Provinces	Koshi	Madhesh	Bagmati	Gandaki	Lumbini	Karnali	Sudurpaschim	Reference
Population (millions)	5.5	6	6.2	2.4	5	1.7	3.5	CBS 2024
Life Expectancy (years)	70	66	72	73	67	64	65	MoHP 2024
Immunization Coverage (%)	90	82	95	93	88	70	76	MoHP 2024
Maternal Mortality Ratio (per 100,000 live births)	120	140	90	110	120	180	170	NHSS Report 2024
Stunting in Children under 5 (%)	25	32	20	24	28	39	33	Nutrition Survey 2024
Doctor-to-Population Ratio	1:2,500	1:3,000	1:1,800	1:2,200	1:2,700	1:4,000	1:3,500	MoHP HR Report 2024
Institutional Delivery Rate (%)	72	65	89	75	78	50	60	MoHP 2024

References

Central Bureau of Statistics. (2021). National Population and Housing Census 2021. Retrieved from https://censusnepal.cbs.gov.np/results.
Ministry of Health and Population. (2024). Annual Health Report 2079/80. Retrieved from https://dohs.gov.np/category/annual-report/.
National Nutrition Survey. (2024). Nutritional Status of Nepal 2024. Retrieved from https://www.mohp.gov.np.
Nepal Health Sector Strategy (NHSS). (2024). NHSS Progress Report 2024. Retrieved from https://nhssp.org.np.
Human Resources for Health. (2024). HRH Report for Nepal 2024. Retrieved from https://www.mohp.gov.np.