Competency-based training of midwives

KARACHI-Sindh Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, has stressed on the need to encourage educated girls to come forward as their service structure would be improved with opportunities for a better future.

Pechuho voiced her opinion while presiding over a meeting with Principals of Midwifery Schools at her office on Thursday. Special Secretary Health, Abdul Hafeez Abbasi, Director General Health, Dr Masood Solangi, and Principals of the Midwifery Schools were also in attendance.

It was decided in the meeting that competency-based training of two months for existing midwives would be arranged to enhance their capabilities. The training is scheduled to be conducted by master trainers. It was also suggested to empower midwives for the family planning program and to take religious scholars on board in an attempt to promote family planning awareness.

Pechuho further suggested making a panel of health experts to review the curriculum of midwives with more focus to be given on their practical training. It was also decided that for admission in midwifery schools, the age group limit should be reduced from 15 to 40 years to 16 to 35 years and for them, two years of training would be organized.

Pechuho quoted that the role of midwives could not be ignored because they played a significant role in reducing mother and child mortality rate. She announced to the participants that there was a dire need to strengthen midwifery schools and that the allowance issue of the midwives would be resolved at its earliest. Additionally, wherever there was a need of hostels, they would be built on a priority basis, Pechuho added. In the meeting, several issues facing by these schools were discussed in details and suggestions were given and approved.