Midwifery Developments in Nepal
Nepal is making significant progress in maternal and newborn care by enhancing midwifery services and education. Recently, two noteworthy advancements have emerged in the country. On the practice side, the first Midwife-Led Antenatal Clinic was established at Nepal’s largest and only public maternity hospital. In the education side, a four-year Direct-Entry Bachelor of Midwifery programme has been introduced, alongside a Diploma Level Midwifery programme introduced at two public institutions. The Midwifery Society of Nepal (MSN) tells us more about the role they played in these exciting events.
The first midwife-led antenatal clinic in Nepal
In a country where access to skilled maternal healthcare remains a challenge for many, the Midwife-Led Antenatal Counselling Clinic at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital represents a significant breakthrough. MSN played a crucial role in this development by facilitating a series of strategic meetings with hospital stakeholders and collaborating closely with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Their efforts have paved the way for the establishment of this clinic, setting a precedent for similar initiatives across Nepal.
Since its opening, over 4,000 women have benefited from the personalised, compassionate care provided at the clinic. Many pregnant women reported feeling more prepared for childbirth due to the clinic’s holistic approach to care. One woman shared, “I love the tender and compassionate care provided by the midwife. They explain everything in a clear and understandable way. I feel comfortable sharing any concerns without hesitation. That’s why I come here for regular check-ups.”
This clinic is a success for women and families and empowering midwives. By allowing midwives to practice autonomously, the clinic enhances their professional competencies. Additionally, it serves as a clinical learning site for midwifery students, providing them with the opportunity to observe and experience the midwifery model of care in action.
Advancing Midwifery Education in Nepal
The introduction of Diploma-Level Midwifery education in two public institutions and the launch of the Direct-Entry Bachelor of Midwifery Programme mark a new chapter for midwifery in Nepal. These programmes, which began in 2023, aim to produce skilled midwives for deployment in rural settings, ensuring that even the most remote areas have access to qualified care.
MSN has been pivotal in establishing these programmes. Through policy dialogues and persistent advocacy with provincial representatives and key institutions, they have positioned midwifery as a crucial component of maternal and newborn care in the country.
Currently, 60 students are enrolled in the diploma-level midwifery programmes, while 20 students have begun the four-year Direct-Entry Bachelor of Midwifery course. These midwives will soon be on the frontlines, providing life-saving care to women and newborns across Nepal.
The Importance of Partnerships
The collaboration between MSN, the government, and UNFPA stands as a vital example of how strategic alliances can enhance midwifery services and improve health outcomes for women and newborns.
By joining forces, these key actors have combined our resources, expertise, and influence to promote effective policies and practices. Together, we work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3.1 and 3.2, which aim to reduce maternal and newborn mortality.
By leveraging their strengths, MSN and our partners have managed to advocate for systemic changes, ensuring that skilled care is accessible even in the most remote areas.
A Future of Holistic, Accessible Care
The establishment of midwife-led antenatal care services and the development of midwifery education programmes lay the foundation for a future where midwifery is a respected, autonomous profession in Nepal. By integrating midwifery-led care into the healthcare system, women and newborns can expect better health outcomes and a higher quality of life.
The ongoing efforts to scale midwifery services will help bring Nepal closer to achieving universal healthcare coverage for women and newborns, with midwives playing a central role in this transformation. With each milestone, Nepal’s midwifery profession gains momentum, promising a brighter future for the country’s mothers, babies, and midwives.
This story was submitted by the Midwifery Society of Nepal, an ICM member association, through our webpage. If you have a story to share or wish to submit an update about midwifery initiatives in your country, click on the button below.
