title: Midwives of India: missing in action.
abstract: 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.
authors: Public Systems Group, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India.
authors: Dileep
authors: D
authors: Mavalankar
authors: Parvathy
authors: P
authors: Sankara Raman
authors: Kranti
authors: K
authors: Vora
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control