Strengthening Midwifery Services in India based on lessons learnt from Sweden and Sri Lanka

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the paper is to know how India can strengthen midwifery services to reduce maternal mortality based on the lessons learnt from Sweden and Sri Lanka. Method: The paper is based mainly on the literature review, field visit to Sweden and interaction with maternal health experts from Sweden and Sri Lanka. Conclusion: High maternal mortality in India is due to absence of skilled attendance at the time of delivery and poor post-natal care. Seventy percent Indian population is rural and it is not possible to have doctors for all births. Adopting evidence-based interventions such as developing a skilled cadre of locally available midwives backed up by efficient referral and emergency obstetric care services like Sweden and Sri Lanka will help India achieve the goal of reducing maternal mortality with the existing resources. Analysis also shows that establishing quality training, independent regulating body and standardizing midwifery practices in India requires sustained efforts from government, professionals and society, and reorganization of health systems. Creating the scope for career advancement will help to improve status of midwifery as a profession.