Midwives of India: missing in action
Mavalankar, D.; Sankara Raman, P.; Vora, K.
Midwifery 27(5): 700-706
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1532-3099 PMID: 20708311 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2010.05.010Document Number: 225442
India had well-trained European and indigenous midwives during the time of British rule. The strong midwifery profession lost its importance after independence for various reasons. As a result maternal mortality remains high in India. This paper analyses reasons for the dilution in the midwifery profession, which include amended regulations, lack of social or political priorities, and change in health programme directions. This paper also presents a framework for midwifery-based maternal health services. This analysis shows that there are local as well as internationally supported efforts to improve midwifery in India.
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