More collaboration needed for Midwives Association’s development

GINA, GUYANA, Thursday, May 4, 2017

There is more need for partnership with the Midwives Association of Guyana and other relevant organisations to ensure growth and development of the association. This was highlighted, today, during a conference in observation of the Seventh Annual International Midwives Day at the Umana Yana, Kingston.

The conference was held under the theme, “Midwives, Mothers and Families: Partners for Life.”

Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud applauded the midwives for their contribution to the healthcare sector. Dr. Persaud said that he hopes that the midwives remain focused on providing support to help assist in improving the maternal and neonatal healthcare services in the country.

Additionally, Ministry of Public Health’s, Regional Health Services Director,

Dr. Kay Shako said that midwives must monitor their own and others’ feelings when caring for their patients. “You (midwives) would agree with me, that there are times when you need to control your emotion when attending a patient to prevent any misunderstanding. If you don’t, there would be exchange of words so as midwives, you do need to have self-regulation,” Dr. Shako explained.

She noted that the midwives hold an important place in the health sector since they work beyond their call of duty with little resources. The Regional Health Services Director noted that doctors should also listen to the advice given by the midwives with regards to providing appropriate healthcare services to their patients.

International Midwives Day is internationally recognised on May 5, to highlight the work being done by midwives. The idea was established by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) following the suggestions and discussions in the late 1980s which was formally launched in 1992.

 

By: Neola Damon