Kathmandu, July 14 -- Poor women suffering from obstetric fistula, a serious childbirth injury, can now heave a sigh of relief, as Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital has started carrying out free surgery.

Officials at the hospital said that this is the first time the federal hospital started offering free obstetric surgery and anyone with these problems can seek treatment at the hospital.

"We have already carried out one free obstetric fistula surgery in the hospital," said Dr Shree Prasad Adhikari, director of the hospital. "Many women with this condition may not be aware of the free scheme. We would like to ask them to get free treatment at our hospital, and regain their quality of life."

Obstetric fistula, one of the most seri...