Government to introduce certificate in midwifery programme
The First Lady Mrs Lordina Mahama has announced that government would introduce a Certificate in Midwifery programme as part of plans to increase the number of midwives.
A statement issued in Accra from the President’s office and copied to the Ghana News Agency said, the introduction of the programme would contribute to the reduction of maternal mortality and save lives of unborn babies.
Mrs Mahama said this in an address to launch the 22nd International Day of the Midwife at the Jubilee Park in Wa.
“I am also happy to announce that work is on-going to introduce the Certificate in Midwifery Training Programme,” she said.
The First Lady stated that government will complement this with an expansion of existing Midwife and Nurses Training Colleges and also establish new ones.
“Midwives are a key factor in our struggle to reduce maternal mortality.
“They do not only assist with pregnancy and childbirth. They take care of family planning and provide care and nutritional support for new born and their mothers.
“I salute all Ghanaian midwives today, as we celebrate your contribution to healthcare delivery.”
The First Lady said the President’s is committed to expand health facilities across the country, to improve the road network and enhance the welfare of health workers.
It said this would not only help reduce maternal mortality, but also improve general access to health care across.
Mrs Mahama said she would liaise with the Minister of Health to institute a yearly national award for deserving midwives and also used the occasion to advise various professional groups and midwives associations to deal with the problem of disunity.
“I want to urge the different professional groups and associations of midwives to urgently tackle the problem of disunity within their ranks.
“You may have your different objectives as groups, but it is important that you remain united and focused,” she said.
The First Lady also commended the former First Lady Mrs Ernestina Naadu Mills, for playing an active role in the area of maternal health.
Source: GNA