Staff Reporter
PESHAWAR: The Directorate General of Health Services Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Khyber Medical University, organized a seminar at the university to mark the International Day of the Midwife.
The seminar was held under the theme, “One Million More Midwives,” with the objective of highlighting the critical role of midwives in improving maternal and newborn health.
The chief guests on the occasion were Additional Director General Health Services Dr. Naeem Awan and Director General of the Provincial Health Services Academy Dr. Mohammad Saleem.
Among those who attended the seminar were Dr. Shahid Tanoli, Dr. Dildar Khan, Dr. Najma, Mah Jabeen, Athar Iqbal, and other health professionals, faculty members and students.
Speakers said that thousands of women in Pakistan face complications during pregnancy and childbirth every year, while access to healthcare facilities and specialist doctors remains limited in remote and underserved areas.
They emphasized that trained midwives play a vital role in saving the lives of mothers and newborns, particularly in areas where medical services are scarce.
The speakers stressed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with the rest of the country, urgently needs more skilled midwives to help reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. According to the participants, at least 100,000 additional trained midwives should be integrated into the healthcare system.
They also called for better employment opportunities, workplace protection and incentives for midwives to encourage more women to join the profession.
At the conclusion of the seminar, a walk was organized to pay tribute to midwives. Organizers, students and healthcare professionals participated in the event to recognize the invaluable contribution of midwives to maternal and child health.
