Document Type
Article
Abstract
Healthy women are the key to the health of any nation. Midwifery in India has climbed up the ladder of progression from before independence till the present day. In the pre-independence era, maternal and newborn care was given by indigenous dais who not only helped during childbirth but also acted as consultants for any condition of the mother related to birth. They were midwives in the literal sense. Over the time, midwifery in India has broadened to the presence of a skilled birth attendant during childbirth. The maternal health status of women and maternal mortality are closely related to the presence of trained attendants at birth and it has become the single most important factor for achieving safe motherhood. With the introduction of several strategies like the Janani Suraksha Yojna (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK), by the Government of India lately, there has been an increased emphasis on the role of the nurse midwife. With the increasing focus on reduction of maternal mortality, strengthening midwifery services both in number and quality is the essential missing step on the roadmap to maternal health.
Recommended Citation
Chhugani, M. Midwifery in India and its roadmap. Journal of Asian Midwives. 2014;1(1):34–40.
