It is a big win for general population of Whanganui, as the Whanganui District Health Board has decided in the favor of public and will continue to have women's health centre.

Giving information on the same, Kate Joblin, who is heading the chair of Whanganui District Health Board, said that not only local people, but their board members wanted to retain the service. Initially, the idea was to shift baby birth facilities to Palmerston North hospital.

The idea received a huge criticism from people, and the board decided to announce the decision in the favor of public. Though the decision is final, it will need an approval from the MidCentral District Health Board.

Both the board members will be meeting on Tuesday, and will discuss the issue. Philippa Baker-Hogan, who is a member of Whanganui District Health Board, said that it was a wise decision to keep services in the region, as Whanganui has to face many complex births and proper staff is needed to tackle the matter.

In such a complex situation, no woman is able to travel such a long distance, and travelling long distances can be harmful for both mother and child. "There's a huge test on our management on what the service will look like ... It has to work for regional co-operation to succeed. This will be the test", said the board members.